Cypriot leaders meet to discuss key issues for reunification talks

WATCH VIDEO

Source: CCTV.com | 07-02-2008 09:03

Leaders of ethnically divided Cyprus met to discuss future reunification issues on Tuesday. President and Greek Cypriot leader Demetris Christofias met with Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat in the UN controlled buffer zone in Nicosia.

Demetris Christofias (right), the Greek Cypriot leader,  and his Turkish Cypriot counterpart Mehmet Ali Talat (left)  meet in the presence of George Iacovou, former foreign  minister and chief aide to Christofias, in the UN-controlled  buffer zone that divides the capital Nicosia. The rival  leaders have made progress on two of the key stumbling  blocks in efforts to reunify the island.(AFP/PIO)

This is the third formal encounter between the two this year. They discussed single sovereignty and citizenship two key issues for future reunification negotiations.

According to the UN, the two leaders will meet again in three weeks time for a final review of preparations for reunification talks.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when the Turkish militarily intervened and controlled the island's north following a coup by a group of Greek officers.

Diplomats expect reunification talks in autumn hoping to ease a deadlock which is complicating Turkey's bid to join the European Union.

Editor:Du Xiaodan