LEFKOSA, Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus
The Turkish and Greek Cypriot sides of the divided island of Cyprus have agreed to further talks towards a permanent peace on the divided island, the President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus said.
Dervis Eroglu told reporters on Wednesday that he had agreed with Greek Cypriot leader Nicos Anastasiades to move on to the “give and take” phase of negotiations.
His remarks followed UN-hosted talks in UN buffer zone in Lefkosa which marked the end of preparatory discussions.
"Accordingly, we agreed to move the process forward to constructive and result-orientated talks," Eroglu said.
He emphasized that a settlement for Cyprus is only possible via mutual compromise and said the two sides could find common ground in the end.
"What is important is to reach an agreement where we can see Turkish Cypriots living on this soil in peace and tranquility,” Eroglu added.
UN Special Adviser on Cyprus Espen Barth Eide said both sides had pledged to continue peace talks. "The leaders agreed to work towards coming to an agreement soon and then holding simultaneous referendums on both sides of the island," he said.
Stalled talks were resuscitated in February with a joint declaration outlining the details of a federal state re-uniting the island.
The solution is expected to address issues such as a constitutional framework; territorial adjustments; the return of property or compensation payments; and the return of displaced people.
The Greek Cypriot administration is a member of the European Union and is internationally recognized except by Turkey, which is the only country that recognizes the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.
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