Doorbraak bereikt in onderhandelingen rond Cyprus (en)

Talks in New York between the two Cypriot leaders and UN Secretary General Kofi Annan have led to a breakthrough, raising hopes for an agreement on reuniting Cyprus before it joins the EU on 1 May.

"We have not solved the problem", UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan cautioned. "But I really believe that after 40 years, a political settlement is at least in reach, provided both sides summon the necessary political will".

If Cyprus remains divided on 1 May, EU legislation will only apply to the Southern part of the island.

Formal talks between Greek Cypriot leader Tassos Papadopoulos and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash will now continue in Cyprus' divided capital Nicosia this Thursday (19 February).

If no agreement is reached by 22 March, Greece and Turkey will be able to step in with the aim of resolving the outstanding issues by 29 March.

Mr Annan will be able to finalise the text of the peace plan if there is still no deal, and will call for separate referendums on both sides of the island on 21 April.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkish troops invaded the north of the island in response to a coup by Greece.