Rival Cypriot leaders launch historic reunification talks

Cypriot leaders launched talks yesterday seen as the best chance in decades to reunite their divided island and end a conflict threatening Turkey's EU membership hopes.

Cypriot President Demetris Christofias, representing the Greek Cypriot community, and Turkish Cypriot President Mehmet Ali Talat, met in no man's land dividing their capital Nicosia, in what diplomats and analysts described as the first opportunity for a breakthrough in years.

"It is time to end the long-lingering Cyprus problem and to give the Cypriot people the better future they deserve," Christofias said. "We have a common will and a common desire."