Peace talks aimed at reunification in Cyprus have shown progress, but more work is needed before a deal can be put forth for a public vote, Reuters reported.
“In spite of the remarkable progress achieved, time is needed before presenting a comprehensive solution to the people,” President Nicos Anastasiades told Cyprus’s parliament.
Since the election of a moderate Turkish Cypriot leader, Mustafa Akinci early last year, talks between estranged Greek and Turkish Cypriots have raised hopes of a political solution.
Cyprus has been ethnically split between its Greek and Turkish populations since 1974, when the Turkish military launched an invasion of the island.
The southern Greek section represents the whole island in the European Union, while the north is considered a breakaway state recognized only by Turkey.
Any agreement for power-sharing and reunification must be approved by both communities in separate referendums. The last attempt failed in 2004, when a plan put forth by the United Nations was rejected by Greek Cypriots.
Territorial tradeoffs have not yet been negotiated, and there are also disagreements regarding a rotating presidency between Greek and Turkish Cypriots. Greek Cypriots have also demanded that Turkey withdraw the thousands of troops it has stationed in North Cyprus.
The Cyprus conflict has implications reaching far beyond the small island, as a point of contention between NATO allies Greece and Turkey, and has also been one of Turkey's obstacles to joining the EU.
