Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu said he believes there can be a settlement in the 40 year-long division of Cyprus this year.
Eroglu said after talks in New York Monday with U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon that his goal is reaching a deal with Greek Cypriots in the shortest possible time and having both sides put the agreement to serrate referendums.
A U.N. spokesman said Ban reaffirmed his continuing personal attention to Cyprus and is committed to helping both sides reach a deal.
Talks on reunifying Cyprus resumed in February after a nearly two year long stalemate over such sensitive issues as property rights and limiting the number of Greek and Turkish troops on the island.
Cyprus was split into a Turkish Cypriot north and a Greek Cypriot south in 1974 when Turkish troops invaded in response to a coup by Cypriots who wanted to become a part of Greece.
Only Turkey recognizes a separate government in the north.
Cyprus joined the European Union in 2003, but only Greek Cypriots enjoy the benefits.
Eroglu said after talks in New York Monday with U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon that his goal is reaching a deal with Greek Cypriots in the shortest possible time and having both sides put the agreement to serrate referendums.
A U.N. spokesman said Ban reaffirmed his continuing personal attention to Cyprus and is committed to helping both sides reach a deal.
Talks on reunifying Cyprus resumed in February after a nearly two year long stalemate over such sensitive issues as property rights and limiting the number of Greek and Turkish troops on the island.
Cyprus was split into a Turkish Cypriot north and a Greek Cypriot south in 1974 when Turkish troops invaded in response to a coup by Cypriots who wanted to become a part of Greece.
Only Turkey recognizes a separate government in the north.
Cyprus joined the European Union in 2003, but only Greek Cypriots enjoy the benefits.
