Cyprus leaders say still on track for 2016 deal
To mark one year since UN-backed Cyprus peace talks resumed, Cypriot leaders said on Sunday they remain as committed as ever to reunifying the Mediterranean island in 2016.
Greek Cypriot leader Nicos Anastasiades and his Turkish Cypriot counterpart Mustafa Akinci, in a joint statement, said their common goal was a "win-win solution" after four decades of division.
"We also would like to underline our commitment to intensify our efforts in the coming months with the aim of reaching a comprehensive settlement agreement within 2016," they said.
They said progress had been made but there were still obstacles.
"This has been a year of intensive negotiations and we, as the two leaders, would like to express our satisfaction with the essential progress that has been achieved to date," the statement read.
"Although there are still difficulties and differences, we are determined to show the necessary will and courage to overcome the remaining outstanding issues."
UN-brokered Cyprus peace talks are at a critical juncture.
Tough decisions remain on thorny issues such as territorial adjustments, power sharing and property rights that have stymied countless previous initiatives.
Top foreign diplomats from the UK, US and Russia have visited the EU member state over the past year to help encourage the leaders to make game-changing decisions.
The leaders are working on a formula to resolve the issues of property and territorial adjustment that would create a united, federal Cyprus.
Without a solid compromise, a solution would be hard to sell to their respective communities. Any peace accord must be ratified by the two communities in separate referenda.
Many believe the good chemistry between Anastasiades and Akinci is creating a climate of trust for an elusive deal to be clinched.
The current round of long-stalled peace talks -- in what is seen as the last best chance to reunify Cyprus -- was launched on May 15, 2015.
Lack of a Cyprus settlement is hurting Ankara's own bid to join the European Union, with Nicosia blocking a number of chapters in the negotiation process.
"A just and lasting settlement will not only bring peace and prosperity to Cyprus but will also set a good example and contribute to stability and cooperation in the region," the leaders said.
Cyprus has been divided since Turkish troops occupied its northern third in 1974 in response to an Athens-inspired coup seeking union with Greece.