Nicosia - The Cyprus President, Mr Glafkos Clerides, and the Turkish Cypriot leader, Mr Rauf Denktash, are set to dine together tonight in the Greek Cypriot sector of the world's last divided capital, Nicosia, writes Michael Jansen.
This will be the first time Mr Denktash has crossed the Green Line since the Turkish occupation of the north in 1974. The dinner, originally scheduled for January 16th after the two men begin sustained talks with the aim of reaching a political settlement, was brought forward in order to encourage both to attend a UN-sponsored meeting of party leaders on January 5th.
Mr Clerides has indicated he will participate, Mr Denktash has yet to give his reply to the invitation. The meal will be served at the modest Clerides family home. Mr Clerides, whose second term ends in February 2003, has said he would negotiate through 2002 on behalf of his community.