WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — The Turkish government intends to settle this year the issue of the division of Cyprus, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said in speech at the George Washington University on Tuesday.
"We have the opportunity to solve the Cyprus problem… in 2016," Cavusoglu stated. "We are hoping to reach lasting and viable solution this year, possibly after [the] elections in the south.’
Cyprus has been split into two entities since 1974 when Turkey invaded its northern part to defend the Turks there after Cypriote Greeks orchestrated a coup with the assistance of Greece, according to media reports.
UN-brokered talks on the reunification of Cyprus resumed last May.
