Greek, Turkish Cypriot leaders agree on continuation of peace talks

The Greek and Turkish Cypriot leaders in Cyprus have agreed on continuing their talks aimed at reunifying the island despite an upcoming vote for the election of a new community leader by the Turkish Cypriots, Xinhua reported.
  
A government spokesman said on Friday that President Demetris Christofias, who is the leader of the Greek Cypriot community, had proposed four more meetings before the April 18 vote.
  
"In consultation with the United Nations in Cyprus the meetings will take place on Feb. 24 and then on March 4, 16 and 30," the spokesman said in a written statement.
  
Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat have been discussing a solution to the Cyprus problem for the past 17 months.
  
Last month, they held a series of intensive talks which culminated in a visit to Cyprus by UN Secretary-general Ban Ki- moon. Ban announced "significant progress" on issues related to governance and power sharing.
  
The UN chief encouraged the two leaders to continue their talks and show more flexibility and determination to reach a settlement.
  
The United Nations are concerned that the April 18 elections for a new Turkish Cypriot leader may result in a win by right-wing nationalist politician Dervis Eroglu, who advocates a hardline policy.
  
The UN and foreign diplomats in Cyprus are worried that an electoral win by Eroglu will almost certainly result in the negotiations being deadlocked, further harming Turkey's ambition to join the European Union.
  
Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkey militarily intervened and occupied the north of the island following a coup by a group of Greek officers.
  
In 1983, the Turkish Cypriot authorities declared breakaway and set up "the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus," which is recognized only by Turkey.
 
Cyprus, now represented by Greek Cypriots in the European Union, has blocked six of Turkey's negotiating chapters and is threatening to block more chapters if Ankara does not actively contribute toward a solution.
  
Turkey's Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutogly said on Friday that Ankara has told the United Nations no time must be lost in the negotiations. He said he advocated continuing the Cyprus talks despite the upcoming elections in the Turkish Cypriot north.