CYPRUS:NEWLY ELECTED president of Cyprus Demetris Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat agreed yesterday to launch fresh negotiations to reunify the island, divided since Turkey occupied the north in 1974.
Both men were upbeat as they concluded a three-hour meeting at the home of UN envoy Michael Moller. He characterised the talks as "very positive" and held in a "cordial atmosphere".
Mr Christofias announced that there will be a "fully fledged dialogue" between the sides and that work will start immediately. Mr Talat observed that the target is to find "a comprehensive solution to the Cyprus problem" and said Turkish Cypriots "want a settlement as soon as possible," even "by the end of 2008".
Their advisers will meet next week to establish committees and draw up an agenda for negotiations which appear to be based on an agreement reached on July 8th, 2006, by Mr Christofias's predecessor and Mr Talat. This provides for holding parallel talks on day-to-day and substantive issues with the aim of building the framework for a bizonal, bicommunal federation.
Although both Cypriot leaders signed this agreement, Ankara baulked at implementation and the July 8th accord was relegated to a shelf alongside other proposals meant to resolve the 45-year Cyprus dispute.
While Mr Christofias insisted that the 2006 agreement should be the reference for new talks, Mr Talat had argued that negotiations should be based instead on the 2004 UN plan accepted by Turkey and the Turkish Cypriots but rejected by 76 per cent of Greek Cypriots.
The leaders will meet in three months' time to review progress but will remain in contact to ensure the negotiations proceed smoothly. They agreed to open as soon as possible the Ledra Street crossing point connecting the two halves of Nicosia, the world's last divided capital city. Other crossings could be opened later.
Both Cypriot and international observers have warned that this could be the last chance for reunification and have placed their hopes in the long-standing friendship of these two leaders. However, analysts argue that goodwill is not enough and there can be no progress unless agreed by Ankara. Another key factor is mistrust between the Cypriot communities. Rasit Pertev, a former adviser of Mr Talat and head of a new centrist party, said it could take two years and a great deal of effort to create the trust needed for an accommodation.