UN: Cyprus talks make ‘significant progress’
The Cyprus peace talks made “significant progress” after five days of negotiations at the Swiss resort of Mont Pelerin, according to the United Nations, which said that the effort will resume on November 20.
“During these past five days, the chapter on territory and all other issues were discussed interdependently. Significant progress has been achieved,” said a brief statement by the UN late Friday, adding that negotiations will reconvene in Geneva, after a recess, upon the request of the Greek-Cypriot leader, Nicos Anastasiades.
The latest phase of the talks between the Cyprus president and Turkish-Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci began last Monday with UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon saying both were committed to trying to reach a deal this year.
Cyprus has been split along ethnic lines since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern part in response to an Athens-backed military coup by Greek-Cypriot paramilitaries aimed at union with Greece.
