This is a historic opportunity for the people of the island, for the region, for Europe; it cannot be missed”, says EU High representative Federica Mogherini, after publishing the readout of a telephone call she had a few hours ago with both Cypriot leaders Nicos Anastasiades and Mustafa Akıncı.

Both leaders updated her on the state of play of the talks following their discussions in Mont Pèlerin.

According to the call readout, Federica Mogherini expressed the EU`s continuous support to the process under the auspices of the UN and Special Envoy Espen Barth Eide, “and to the remarkable efforts of the two leaders”.

“Both leaders confirmed their determination to continue the process. This is a historic opportunity for the people of the island, for the region, for Europe; it cannot be missed”, stated Federica Mogherini.

The Republic of Cyprus, which joined the EU in 2004, has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. President Anastasiades and Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci are engaged in UN-led talks with an aim to reunify the country under a federal roof. In November, they held two separate sessions of talks in Switzerland, which did not produce results.