Cyprus' President Demetris Christofias reaffirmed on Friday his determination to reunify the Mediterranean island through peaceful negotiations.
"We demonstrate our refusal to compromise with division, because division means destruction," he told a meeting prior to the 25th anniversary of the unilateral declaration of independence by the Turkish Cypriot north.
"We demonstrate our determination to continue to struggle and work towards a solution of the Cyprus problem that will reunite our Cyprus, reunite our people," the pro-settlement Greek Cypriot politician added.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when the Turkish military intervened and occupied the north of the island following a coup by a group of Greek officers.
On Nov. 15, 1983, the Turkish Cypriot authorities declared the establishment of the breakaway "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus," which is recognized only by Turkey.
Referring to the ongoing substantive talks he launched with Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat in September, Christofias admitted that they were still at the beginning of a difficult process.
The two sides reportedly decided on Friday to bypass the thorny issue -- executive power and go on with negotiations on the legislative system of future federation.
They have agreed to put aside very tough issues, which will be dealt with at a later stage of the process through give and take.
Source:Xinhua
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