Newsletters

The Report stated that the new President of Cyprus, Demetris Christofias, had said that he expects to meet the Turkish Cypriot leader Mehment Ali Talat between 17 and 24 March in order to revive peace talks. Mr Christofias said that he had requested that the United Nations arrange a meeting with Mehment Ali Talat the Northern Cyprus President. There has been optimism voiced by both leaders with regards to making progress towards the reunification of the island.

For decades diplomatic efforts have failed. Mehmet Ali Talat last month congratulated Mr Christofias on the election triumph and made the statement "I believe that it won't be a surprise if we solve the problem by the end of 2008". Mehment Ali Talat also called on the left-wing leader Mr Christofias to resume negotiations as soon as possible.

In 1974 Turkey sent troops to the north, after a coup by Greek Cypriots who then wanted union with Greece. Since 1974 Greek and Turkish Cypriots have been divided.

It has been stated by a British diplomat that this is a "unique opportunity" for Cyprus. The diplomat went on to say that "For the first time we have two people, old comrades on the left, who want to solve the problem. If the Greek Cypriots got a better offer on the property they lost in the north and a quicker withdrawal of Turkish troops, there could be the basis of a deal." He further suggested that there was some chance that the blocked-off Ledra Street, which marks the Green Line being opened soon. He said that this would be "like the Berlin Wall falling".

The UN peace plan referendum was rejected by the Greek Cypriots in 2004 whilst the plan was accepted by the Turkish Cypriots. Cyprus’s partition has long stood been an obstacle on Turkey's bid to join the EU and also remains a source of contention between the two Nato allies Turkey and Greece. Still today the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is only recognised by Turkey.