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Cyprus peace talks to resume on Nov. 20 in Geneva

Xinhua, November 12, 2016 Adjust font size:

The office of the United Nations Spokesperson in Cyprus on Friday issued a press statement saying that the UN-mediated talks on the reunification of the island will "take a recess" and will be resumed in Geneva on Nov. 20.

The Turkish Cypriot leader, Mustafa Akinci, and the Greek Cypriot leader, Nicos Anastasiades, have been engaged in sustained peace negotiations in Switzerland's Mont Pelerin since Nov. 7 under the auspices of the United Nations.

"During these past five days, the chapter on territory and all other issues were discussed interdependently," the statement said, adding that significant progress has been achieved.

"The two leaders, once again, wish to express their gratitude to the Government of Switzerland for its generosity and hospitality in hosting this event and for the invaluable support provided to them and their teams throughout the week," the statement said.

The UN-mediated talks are hoped to pave the way towards reunification of the island which has been divided in two since 1974 after a coup spurred Turkey to send forces to northern parts of the small Mediterranean state.

While the southern Greek Cypriot side is recognized by the international community as well as being a European Union member, only Ankara officially recognises the break-away Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.

Both Nicos Anastasiades and 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 conduct direct talks relating to territorial matters. These are seen as crucial if any future agreement on the reunification of the island is to be reached. Endit