Cyprus rivals launch new peace push

0 Comments | AFP, September, 2008

NICOSIA (AFP) — Rival Cypriot leaders launched intensive talks on Wednesday on reunifying the Mediterranean island which the United Nations described as a "historic" move after three decades of failed diplomacy.

President Demetris Christofias, a Greek Cypriot, and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat, who are both seen as pro-settlement moderates, held well over an hour of talks in a renewed push for unity.

"Today is an historic day for Cyprus," said UN chief Ban Ki-moon's special envoy, former Australian foreign minister Alexander Downer, who was at the meeting in the UN-patrolled buffer zone in the divided capital Nicosia.

Downer said "significant progress" had been made to build confidence and create a solid foundation for the negotiations, which mark...