Peace talks ramp up

The Age

Wednesday December 23, 2009

NICOSIA. Cyprus' rival leaders have agreed to intensify talks aimed at reunifying the divided island, in a move seen as key to achieving a possible peace deal in 2010.UN official Yasser Sabra said President Dimitris Christofias, a Greek Cypriot, and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat would hold six meetings next month. The meetings will be held at a compound inside the UN-controlled buffer zone separating the internationally recognised Greek Cypriot south and breakaway Turkish Cypriot north.Cyprus was split in 1974 when Turkey invaded after a coup by supporters of union with Greece. The island joined the European Union in 2004, but only Greek Cypriots enjoy the benefits. Any agreement the two leaders reach will be put to referendums in both communities.

© 2009 The Age

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