Cyprus rivals seek ‘common ground’ at Geneva talks

Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkey occupied its northern third in response to a coup.

Four years after their last peace talks failed, rival Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot leaders meet in Geneva this week to explore elusive “common ground” on the divided Mediterranean island. “We go to Geneva … steadfastly committed to resuming negotiations for reunifying Cyprus in a bizonal bicommunal federation”, in line with UN resolutions, international and European Union law, said Nikos Christodoulides, foreign minister of the Greek Cypriot-run Republic of Cyprus, an EU member. However, Tahsin Ertugruloglu, his counterpart in the internationally unrecognised Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), held an opposing view.