Cyprus reunification talks begin

Greek and Turkish Cypriot leaders launch talks in what is seen as the best chance in decades to reunite their divided island.

A handshake which could lead to the reunification of Cyprus.

Turkish Cypriot President Mehmet Ali Talat, seen here on the left, and Greek Cypriot President Demetris Christofias met for 90 minutes in the no man's land dividing their capital Nicosia.

This meeting is seen by diplomats and analysts as the first chance in years for a breakthrough in reuniting the divided island.

After the meeting, both leaders said they are hoping to find a solution:

SOUNDBITE: Demetris Christofias, Greek Cypriot President, saying (English):

"This is a common will, a common desire and we shall take a common effort in order to achieve this polite target for all Cypriots."

SOUNDBITE: Mehmet Ali Talat, Turkish Cypriot leader, saying (English):

"Ankara is supporting us and we are confident that we will succeed in concluding a comprehensive agreement and hopefully as soon as possible."

When Christofias and Talat met in March this year, they agreed to reopen the barricaded Ledra Street in Nicosia.

Greek and Turkish Cypriots pulled down the barricades that had separated them for half a century.

But Cyprus' partitioned status remains a headache for the European Union.

The island is effectively represented in the bloc by its Greek Cypriots, and has veto rights over Turkey's EU membership bid.

Cyprus has been divided for over 30 years - since a Turkish invasion in 1974 triggered by a brief Greek-inspired coup.

The two sides have agreed to reunite as two ethnic communities mostly living in separate areas and running their own affairs.

There would be a strong central government which would mainly represent them abroad.

But the two leaders haven't agreed on how to achieve this.

A key dispute is the unrecognised status of breakaway northern Cyprus, and how to reintegrate it in a federation.

Despite this, analysts agree the fact both Cypriot leaders are moderates from leftist parties gives these talks a good chance of success.

Joanna Partridge, Reuters