2013-04-26 18:21:17

Cyprus talks may start in October


(Vatican Radio) The leaders of the two communities in Cyprus may re-start discussions later this year to reach a settlement regarding the division of the Mediterranean island. There has been a long break in peace negotiations; the recent economic crisis in Cyprus is being blamed for further delays in the process.

But the new Greek Cypriot Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides told British television that talks could start with Turkey in October in a new attempt to resolve the political impasse.

“Let us wait until October, because now we cannot focus on the efforts for the Cyprus problem as our primary duty to our citizens is to put the economy in to recovery,” Kasoulides said.

Negotiations between the internationally recognized Greek-Cypriot government and Turkish-Cypriots have effectively stalled and are in jeopardy of collapse.

Attempts to reunite Cyprus have been ongoing for more than 30 years, with the latest round of talks launched in 2008.

For close to four decades, Cyprus has been one of the most troublesome problems faced by the United Nations.

The division of Cyprus also poses one of the most difficult issues affecting EU-Turkey relations, with the future of Turkey's accession talks hinging on the successful resolution of the problem.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded the northern part of the island in response to a military coup that was backed by the Greek government. Cyprus joined the European Union in 2004, and the self-proclaimed Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is only recognized by Turkey.

Listen to the report by Nathan Morley: RealAudioMP3








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