This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/world/europe/7525266.stm
The article has changed 3 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Version 0 | Version 1 |
---|---|
Cyprus sets date for peace talks | Cyprus sets date for peace talks |
(10 minutes later) | |
The leaders of the divided island of Cyprus have agreed to launch reunification talks on 3 September, the United Nations has said. | |
The agreement came after discussions between the leaders of the rival Greek and Turkish Cypriot communities. | The agreement came after discussions between the leaders of the rival Greek and Turkish Cypriot communities. |
Talks have been stalled since 2004 when Greek Cypriots rejected a UN peace plan which was backed by Turkish Cypriots. | Talks have been stalled since 2004 when Greek Cypriots rejected a UN peace plan which was backed by Turkish Cypriots. |
The island has been divided for 34 years into a breakaway Turkish Cypriot north and the Greek Cypriot south. | The island has been divided for 34 years into a breakaway Turkish Cypriot north and the Greek Cypriot south. |
The announcement came after Greek Cypriot leader Demetris Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat met for two hours in the UN-controlled buffer zone which divides the island. | |
"The aim of the fully-fledged negotiations is to find a mutually acceptable solution to the Cyprus problem, which will safeguard the interests of Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots," said Taye-Brook Zerihoun, head of the UN mission on the island. | |
He said any agreed solution would be voted on by both communities in two separate referendums. |