The government and the leaders of the political parties remain vigilant in view of the ongoing efforts to achieve an agreement between the two sides in Cyprus on a joint declaration that will pave the way for the beginning of negotiations aiming to solve the Cyprus problem.

This was stated by Government Spokesman Christos Stylianides after a meeting of the political party leaders, under Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades.

President Anastasiades said on Friday that the two communities in Cyprus are as far in reaching an agreement on a joint declaration as they are close to it.

Cyprus was divided in 1974 when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. Previous UN – led efforts to reunify the island under a federal roof have failed. A renewed effort begun in September this year, with meetings between the two negotiators of the two sides as well as a meeting between the leaders of the two communities, with the aim to finalize a joint  declaration that would pave the way for the Cyprus talks to resume.