From Nicosia, in Cyprus, Antonio TAJANI, EP President, and Nicos ANASTASIADES, President of the Republic of Cyprus, express themselves in front of the press on the state of play of negotiations with the United Kingdom.

TAJANI, Antonio (EPP, IT)

Brexit (T)

article 50 of the Lisbon treaty (T)

press point

EU - Cyprus (T)

ANASTASIADES, Nicos (CY)

Cyprus

Nicosia

State of play of negotiations with the United Kingdom: extracts from the press point by Antonio TAJANI, EP President and Nicos ANASTASIADES, President of the Republic of Cyprus

Interior, Arrival at the Press point, (1 shot)

SOUNDBITE (Italian), Antonio TAJANI, EP President, <p><a></a>The meeting we just had together was very constructive as we discussed some very important issues, we talked long about BREXIT and Ms Theresa May gave me information on the first positive resolution to get close to an agreement; we can reach a consensus and we could present a good approach towards the 3 main aspects, concerning the EU citizens and UK citizens, the questions of how to deal with the borders, between Northern Ireland and the UK, and the question about the financial contribution. The European Parliament will give its opinion in the next week, by voting a resolution which I will present on the next European Council summit. The head of states will then decide on the achieved progress if we can enter into the second phase. I&rsquo;m quite optimistic that we can achieve the next phase next week.</p>

SOUNDBITE (Greek), Nicos ANASTASIADES, President of Cyprus, <p>''Regarding Brexit, we welcomed the morning deal between the United Kingdom and the European Union on the three pillars of priority of the first part of the negotiations and during our meeting we had the opportunity with Mr. Tajani to have a phone call with PM Theresa May and with European Chief Negotiator for the United Kingdom concering exiting the European Union. Mr. Michel Barnier informed us about the constructive steps forward. The Republic of Cyprus is looking forward to a strong relationship between the EU and the United Kingdom''.</p>