| Submit your comments on this article |
| Europe |
| Cypriot leaders begin peace talks |
| 2008-09-04 |
| Talks on the reunification of Cyprus have begun between Demetris Christofias, the Greek Cypriot president, and Mehmet Ali Talat, the Turkish Cypriot leader. Both men are seen as pro-settlement moderates and after three decades of failed diplomacy there is considerable optimism that a deal may be reached. Alexander Downer, the UN secretary-general's special envoy to Cyprus, said: "Today is an historic day for Cyprus." Downer said "significant progress" had been made to build confidence and create a solid foundation for the negotiations, which mark the first intensive push for peace on the island since a failed UN plan in 2004. "There have been difficult moments over the past months and there will likely be further difficulties and challenges ahead. "At the same time, the Cyprus problem is not insurmountable and the negotiations which begin today can and must have a successful outcome," he said. |
| Posted by:Fred |