UN's Cyprus envoy says leaders devoted to peace

By Murat Demirci

LEFKOSA, Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus

The UN’s special envoy to Cyprus on Wednesday reiterated that the leaders of the island’s Turkish and Greek communities were both committed to forging a peace deal by the end of the year.

Espen Barth Eide spoke after meeting Turkish Cypriot President Mustafa Akinci ahead of a scheduled meeting between Akinci and Greek Cypriot leader Nicos Anastasiades.

“I see that both leaders are determined for peace in 2016,” Eide said at a news conference in Lefkosa. “But there is no time to lose. The upcoming weeks are important for the Cyprus talks.”

Stalled reunification talks resumed in May 2015 following a previous dispute over underwater gas exploration.

The island was divided in 1974 when Turkey intervened in its role as one of the guarantors of Cypriot independence following an Athens-backed military coup.

By Murat Demirci

LEFKOSA, Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus

The UN’s special envoy to Cyprus on Wednesday reiterated that the leaders of the island’s Turkish and Greek communities were both committed to forging a peace deal by the end of the year.

Espen Barth Eide spoke after meeting Turkish Cypriot President Mustafa Akinci ahead of a scheduled meeting between Akinci and Greek Cypriot leader Nicos Anastasiades.

“I see that both leaders are determined for peace in 2016,” Eide said at a news conference in Lefkosa. “But there is no time to lose. The upcoming weeks are important for the Cyprus talks.”

Stalled reunification talks resumed in May 2015 following a previous dispute over underwater gas exploration.

The island was divided in 1974 when Turkey intervened in its role as one of the guarantors of Cypriot independence following an Athens-backed military coup.