Cyprus’ reunification talks may lead to referendum

Turkish and Greek Cypriots may vote in a referendum in March to unify after a four-decade separation if officials from both sides can agree on a plan by end of the year, foreign minister Ozdil Nami of the Turkish-Cypriot breakaway state which is recognized only by Turkey said on Thursday. Speaking to reporters in Ankara, as Kathimerini online reports, Nami said that for the first time a Greek Cypriot envoy will visit Ankara, while a Turkish Cypriot envoy will travel to Athens later this month. The visits come before officials from both sides gather for talks, possibly on November 4, said Nami, who met Wednesday with Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu. “There is a window of opportunity,” Nami said. “The window is narrow, but we won’t be starting from scratch.” Cyprus has been divided between Greek-speaking and Turkish-speaking regions since Turkey invaded the north of the island in 1974 following a coup by Greek-Cypriot supporters of union with Greece. (ANSAmed).