Cyprus leaders begin new round of unity talks

Rival Greek and Turkish leaders in Cyprus today launched a new round of peace talks, seen as the most promising bid to reunite the island since war tore it apart 34 years ago.

Cyprus President Dimitris Christofias met for two hours with Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat inside the UN-patrolled buffer zone that separates the two communities.

UN officials said the two leaders would continue regular meetings on September 11.

Asked when he hoped a settlement could be reached, Mr Christofias said: “As soon as possible. There are no guarantees... This is our common will.”

Mr Talat repeated his hope that an agreement could be reached on a future settlement by the end of the year.

Mr Christofias cautioned that it must involve a federal model and not a partnership of separate states.