Cypriot leaders agreed Wednesday to press on with trust-building measures that could revive the abandoned peace process on the divided island, the UN said after a meeting in the capital, Nicosia.
President Nikos Christodoulides of the Greek-speaking, internationally recognized Republic of Cyprus reported "progress" after the meeting with Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar, hosted by the United Nations.
The UN said that the two sides agreed to exchange information to allow for demining efforts, among other issues.
The Mediterranean island is split between the Republic of Cyprus, an EU member, and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, which is only recognized by Turkey.
On the thornier issue of opening up more crossing points across the divide and solar energy projects in the buffer zone, the UN said further discussions would focus on "finding a mutually acceptable resolution."
"We have positive results," Christodoulides told reporters after the meeting, mentioning "certain commitments" that were made. "Another positive step is that we are continuing," he said.
"There has been progress"
The two leaders, who have met several times in recent months, agreed to meet again soon, the UN said.
Turkey has kept troops on the island since its 1974 invasion, triggered by a Greek-backed coup.
There are currently nine crossings along the UN-patrolled Green Line that separates the two sides.
Calls have grown for more crossings along the 180-kilometer (110-mile) buffer zone to ease access for people in remote areas.
Thousands cross daily for work, education, or medical care, using the crossings operational since 2003.
Reunification efforts brokered by the United Nations have been frozen since talks collapsed in 2017.
AFP
Comments