The leaders of Cyprus and the Turkish occupied north stood side by side on television Thursday to send their first-ever joint Christmas greeting to the Cypriot people, as reported by Reuters.
“I wish the new year will allow us, Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots, to live once again more peacefully in a reunited country,” Cypriot President Nikos Anastasiadas said.
He stood next to the self-proclaimed Northern Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci, who said, “I wish the new year will bring lasting peace, serenity and prosperity to all Cypriots.”
Cyprus has been divided since Turkey invaded in 1974. Turkey claims it invaded to prevent Cypriot unification with Greece.
Only Turkey recognises an independent Turkish Cypriot administration.
U.N.-sponsored reunification talks have been conducted off and on for several years, with both sides expressing confidence about a successful outcome. The latest negotiations began last May.