Leaders welcome resumption of full talks. On 21 March, the European summit welcomed the resumption of fully fledged settlement negotiations based on the 14 February joint statement of Greek Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades and Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu with the aim of reuniting Cyprus. The European heads of state explain: “The European Council stands ready to play its part in supporting the negotiations. Reunification of Cyprus would be to the benefit of all the Cypriot people and in this respect the European Council supports any confidence building measures agreed by the two parties which could contribute decisively to creating a climate of mutual trust and give impetus to the negotiation process.” Anastasiades and Eroglu are due to meet in Nicosia on 31 March. (CG)