 UN hosts new talks over Cyprus reunification in Geneva July 7, 2011 - 18:33 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The leaders of divided Cyprus are meeting UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon in Geneva in a new effort to reach a deal on reunification. UN wants both sides to resolve the outstanding issues in the next 12 months, before Cyprus takes up a steering role in the EU. The Greek and Turkish Cypriots remain divided over property, the right of return of the displaced, and security. A UN peacekeeping force has been deployed on the island since 1974. The Republic of Cyprus joined the EU in 2004, despite the frozen conflict with the breakaway Turkish-controlled north of Cyprus. It will assume the EU's rotating presidency in mid-2012. The continuing dispute is a major obstacle blocking Turkey's efforts to join the EU. It is the third round of three-way talks that Mr Ban has held with Cyprus President Demetris Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu. Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkish forces invaded the island in response to a Greek-led coup apparently aimed at making it part of Greece, BBC News reported.   Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads.   Partner news |  Latest news Cyprus parliament honors Armenian genocide victims  Acting House President Zacharias Koulias noted that April 24 marks the “black anniversary” of the Armenian genocide.Armenia PM, France envoy discuss regional matters Issues related to the consistent development of Armenia-France cooperation were discussed.Azerbaijan razes historic Armenian church to ground Azerbaijan has demolished the historic Armenian Church of St. John the Baptist (known as Kanach Zham).Russia to begin assessing migrant workers' speaking skills Rosobrnadzor is planning to change the Russian language exam for migrant workers and include an assessment of speaking skills |
