North Cyprus president urges deal by year-end

The island's rival communities have been locked in U.N.-sponsored peace talks since September 2008, but there is little sign of tangible progress in overcoming the divisive consequences of the Turkish intervention 36 years ago.

"Our neighbors in the south are holding elections next year, that is why drawing out the negotiations will eliminate the chance for an agreement, or at least shelve the matter for a very long time," said Eroğlu.

"The end of this year is a turning point. If we, the leaders, act responsibly, it should be possible to reach a settlement by the end of the year," he told a ceremony in Turkish- Nicosia to mark the 36th anniversary of the Turkish intervention.

HurriyetDailyNews.com

 

21.07.2010