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Alexander Downer, the United Nations special envoy to Cyprus has expressed hope that a deal could be brokered by the end of the year to solve the Cyprus problem.
 

Downer is convinced the two leaders wanted a deal, but compromise was required from both sides.
 

"It would be good to get the bulk of the work done by the end of the year," Downer told Reuters in an interview. "Just in terms of the negotiations they can do it, whether they will I don’t know. But they can do it."
 

Downer whose job it is to over sea meeting between the two leaders said the UN had never laid out a specific timetable for the conclusion of the talks.
 

"It’s definitely doable. It’s not beyond the wit of man to solve the Cyprus problem," said Downer.
 

The discussions to solve the Cyprus problem involve questions regarding power-sharing, the re-mapping of boundaries and how many refugees can return to their homes.
 

At the moment the talks revolve around solving the property issues.
 

"If they can reach basic convergences on the property chapter that would be an enormous step forward," Downer said.
 

The UN is planning to prepare a report offering a "frank assessment" of where negotiations stand next month.
  

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