Greek, Turkish Cypriots hold «historic talks» on Cyprus
NICOSIA. KAZINFORM - Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot officials Thursday held "historic talks" in Ankara and Athens respectively on the Cyprus problem -- the first such talks in about 50 years.
The talks were held within the framework of resumed negotiations for the reunification of Cyprus, ethically split between the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities since Turkey occupied the northern part of the island in 1974, reacting to a coup by Greek army officers.
Negotiations to bring Greek and Turkish Cypriots under the umbrella of a federal state got under way recently after a hiatus of about 18 months.
Andreas Mavroyiannis representing the Greek Cypriot community met in Ankara with Turkey's Foreign Ministry Undersecretary Feridun Sinirlioglu. Turkish Cypriot negotiator Kudret Ozersay held talks in Athens with General Secretary of the Greek foreign ministry Anastasis Mitsialis.
No statements were made after the meetings in line with an agreement for low profile negotiations. However, Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said that it would be beneficial to continue the meetings and go deeper into the issues.
Press reports from Ankara said that Ambassador Mavroyiannis, the first Cypriot government official to travel to Ankara on an official mission since 1963, was warmly received by the Turkish government. Turkey agreed to talk directly to a Greek Cypriot on the Cyprus issue but still insists on its non-recognition of the internationally accepted government of the Cyprus Republic.
Turkey's stand on Cyprus has slowed down its negotiations to join the European Union as the eastern Mediterranean island, an EU member since 2004, has blocked several of its negotiation chapters. Though no breakthrough was expected out of Thursday's talks, their importance was emphasized by Ozersay who told a Turkish daily that they smashed an iceberg.
A Cypriot government spokesman described Thursday as a historic day in the quest for peace, because Greek Cypriot and Turkish officials were able to talk directly on the Cyprus problem, Kazinform refers to Xinhua.
But the spokesman cautioned that this was only the beginning and the road to a solution would be a rough one.