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1st LD: Cyprus leaders at critical point as peace talks kick off: UN chief

Xinhua, November 7, 2016 Adjust font size:

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said Monday that Greek and Turkish Cypriot leaders had reached a "critical juncture in their talks" as negotiations addressing territorial disputes opened here on Monday.

"The two leaders have expressed their hope that this meeting will pave the way for the last phase of the talks in line with their shared commitment to do their utmost in order to reach a settlement within 2016," Ban told reporters in a press conference.

"The prospect of a solution in Cyprus is within their reach. Expectations in both communities are high," the diplomat added.

Both Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades and Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci are set to discuss long-standing territorial issues as well as other outstanding matters in the presence of UN Special Adviser on Cyprus Espen Barth Eide.

This is the first time both leaders have conducted direct talks relating to territorial matters. These are seen as crucial if any future agreement on the reunification of the island, which has been divided since 1974, is to be reached.

Discussions are scheduled to last until Nov. 11. Endit