Cyprus leaders to meet next week

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The new Cyprus president, Demetris Christofias, is due to meet the Turkish Cypriot leader on 21 March, according to a UN office on the divided island.

After he was elected last month, Mr Christofias asked the UN to arrange a meeting with Mehmet Ali Talat to revive peace talks which stalled in 2004.

A spokesman said the meeting would take place at the UN compound in Nicosia.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey sent troops into the north, after a coup by Greek Cypriots.

In 2004, Greek Cypriots rejected UN-backed proposals to reunite Cyprus which had been backed by Turkish Cypriots.

The island's partition has long stood as an obstacle to Turkey's bid to join the EU, and remains a source of contention between Nato allies Turkey and Greece.

The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is only recognised by Turkey.

Last month, Mr Talat congratulated Mr Christofias on his election triumph and said: "I believe that it won't be a surprise if we solve the problem by the end of 2008".