Demetris Christofias has accused “certain circles” of orchestrating efforts to present the Greek Cypriot side as being against continuing the negotiations ahead of the Turkish Cypriot elections in April.

“I say certain circles, because when I met the ambassadors of the five (UN Security Council) permanent members and explained our position to them, their unanimous stance was that they appreciate very much our initiatives, understanding and patience in relation with the dialogue,” the president said.

Christofias was responding to a letter sent to him by opposition leader Nicos Anastassiades, noting the danger of the Greek Cypriot side being blamed for stalling and “consequently undermining the prospects of the negotiating procedure.”

This was in spite of Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat’s declared willingness to continue the intensified dialogue during the period before the elections in the Turkish Cypriot community, Anastassiades said.

Christofias received Anastassiades’ letter on Friday and responded in kind. Both letters were made public yesterday.

In his reply, the president said Talat had asked him to interrupt the talks after the UN Secretary-General’s visit to Cyprus at the end of last month so that he could concentrate on his election campaign.

Christofias said he agreed.

“On the last day of the intensified dialogue, Mr Talat returned with a new request to continue our meetings after February 1, 2010 because he judged it would be beneficial for him,” Christofias said. “Again I agreed with Mr Talat.”

Christofias said he has already conveyed four meeting dates to Talat and the UN.

The president said it would be a malicious act to blame the Greek Cypriot side for stalling.

“On the other hand I want to make clear that Mr Talat’s potential election is not my responsibility as president or that of our side,” Christofias said.

“I categorically reject [any attempts] to blame our side for Mr Talat’s potential failure in the elections.”

The president reiterated that no substantive progress has been achieved on the various aspects of the Cyprus problem since the talks started some 18 months ago.

And this was not due to the positions of the Greek Cypriot side, Christofias added.

He blamed the lack of progress on the Turkish side and stressed that he would not make any unacceptable concessions for the sole purpose of assuring Talat’s re-election.