Cyprus President, Turkish Cypriot Leader to Renew Talks on Cyprus Issue

Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades and Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci are taking a recess in UN-backed talks on the Cyprus issue and will meet again on November 20 in Geneva, the United Nations said.

MOSCOW (Sputnik) – Both leaders "have been engaged in sustained negotiations here in Mont Pèlerin since 7 November under the auspices of the United Nations," a spokesperson for the UN secretary-general said.

According to the statement, the leaders discussed the territorial issue as well as other topics, achieving significant progress.

"Upon request of the Greek Cypriot leader, Mr. Anastasiades, it has been decided by the two leaders to take a recess and reconvene in Geneva on Sunday, 20 November 2016," the statement read.

Cyprus was divided in 1974 after Turkey invaded the island in the wake of the Greek Cypriots coup. The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus proclaimed independence almost a decade later, currently recognized only by Turkey. Ankara keeps some 35,000 troops in the breakaway northern part of the island.

The United Nations as well as Anastasiades and Akinci have been holding peace talks for reunification of the two parts of Cyprus since 2014.