Roundup: Officials believe time has come for Cyprus peace solution

Turkey is "determined as never before" for a solution to the Cyprus problem, visiting Turkish foreign minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Tuesday.

Cavusoglu paid a short visit to the occupied part of Cyprus on Tuesday for talks with new Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci who swept to an electoral victory in April, promising to Turkish Cypriot voters to work for a speedy end to the island's division.

Speaking at a joint press conference with Akinci, Cavusoglu said that the Cypriot peace negotiation process is closely watched not only by Turkey and Greece but also by the European Union, the United Nations and other international organizations.

"If the two sides are determined there can be a permanent solution, a permanent peace within this year," said Cavusoglu.

The leaders of the ethically split Greek and Turkish Cypriot communities are to meet on Thursday to start what are expected to be detailed negotiations for a solution reunifying the eastern Mediterranean island.

Turkey partitioned the island when it occupied its northern part in 1974.

Cavusoglu refused to be drawn into the details of a possible solution of special interest to Turkey, saying there is no meaning discussing issues which would come up at the end of the negotiations.

Akinci said that he also is convinced that the time has come for Cyprus to move into a new era after many decades of division and failed peace efforts.

Sources said that Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades, acting a leader of the Greek Cypriot community, and Akinci will announce additional confidence building measures after their meeting on Thursday, such as opening more crossing points between the two parts of the island.

Anastasiades and Akinci strolled in the streets of the Greek and Turkish Cypriot quarters of the capital Nicosia last Saturday, followed by hundreds of people from both sides who applauded and urged them to work for a speedy peace settlement. Endit