Christofias discusses Cyprus issue with Pope Benedict XVI

VATICAN CITY – Cypriot President Demetris Christofias met on Friday (March 27th) with Pope Benedict XVI as part of his four-day visit to the Holy See. Benedict XVI said he hopes the direct reunification talks between Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat will “bear fruit”.

The Cypriot president said he agreed with the pope to join efforts to convince Turkey to “respect the Greek Cypriots’ position” in the talks.