New round of Cyprus talks to be held in April

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The United Nations has announced that a new round of unofficial talks on the Cyprus issue will be held in Geneva between April 27-29.

Representatives of Greeks and Turks in Cyprus, as well as the guarantor states, Turkey, Greece and the UK, will participate in the meetings.

UN Secretary-General Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said, "The purpose of the meeting will be to determine whether a common ground exists for the parties to negotiate a lasting solution to the Cyprus problem within a foreseeable horizon."

About the Cyprus dispute

The political problem between the Greeks and Turks on the eastern Mediterranean island has a long history.

Cyprus became independent on August 16, 1960, after Greece, Turkey and the UK signed three agreements, the Treaty of Guarantee, the Treaty of Alliance and the Treaty of Establishment.

The conflict did not stop after the independence and Turkish Cypriots withdrew from the administration in 1963.

In 1974, the political tensions between the Turks and Greeks increased violently. Led by then-PM Bülent Ecevit, Turkey carried out a military offensive into the island. The establishment of a political order led by the Turks in the north of the island following the offensive started what is known as the Cyprus dispute.

In 1983, Turkey recognized the de facto Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus and started calling the Republic of Cyprus the Greek Administration of Southern Cyprus.

On May 13, 1984, the UN Security Council adopted resolution No. 550, defining the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus as a separatist movement. The UN and the Council of Europe stated that parts of the island were under Turkey's occupation.

Northern Cyprus is not recognized by any other state than Turkey and the northern part of the island is recognized as a part of the Republic of Cyprus. (PT/VK)