Greek and Turkish Cypriot leaders expressed their determination to go on with peace talks during a social event Wednesday night in the UN-controlled buffer zone, officials said.
Greek Cypriot leader and Cypriot President Demetris Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat attended a reception in a hotel for representatives of the political parties from the two communities.
Officials from both sides emphasized that the encounter would just be a social event, not a formal meeting between the two leaders who agreed in March to restart the reunification talks.
During their short encounter, the two leaders assured guests that the two sides would go on with the negotiations, according to some participants of the event.
Greek and Turkish Cypriot negotiators began the preparatory negotiations last month to pave the way for substantive reunification talks between their leaders in June.
In March, Christofias and Talat agreed to relaunch negotiations for a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation, but the two sides have yet to iron out their differences on the formula through compromises.
Six working groups and seven technical committees have been setup for the negotiations. The working groups discuss fundamental issues like power sharing, security and property while the technical committees tackle everyday concerns.
Chief Greek Cypriot negotiator George Iacovou told reporters earlier this month that the talks were proceeding smoothly in a good atmosphere.
The east Mediterranean island 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 the establishment of the breakaway "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus," which is recognized only by Turkey.
For decades, the United Nations has continuously worked for a viable solution to the Cyprus issue.
In an April 2004 referendum, Greek Cypriots rejected a comprehensive settlement plan by then UN Secretary General Kofi Annan while Turkish Cypriots approved it.
Source: Xinhua
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