The European Commission and its President Jean Claude Juncker personally are confident that 2016 can be the year to bring along a resolution of the Cyprus issue, according to EC spokesperson Mina Andreeve.

The EC Spokesperson, answering a CNA question during the midday briefing, explained that President Juncker, during his recent visit to Cyprus and right after, expressed confidence that the Cyprus issue is possible to be solved during 2016.

According to  Juncker that may not be easy and difficult compromises might have to be made, but “the European Commission will be present to aid on the procedure”.

A Commission source explained that due to the momentum towards a political settlement the European Commission decided to hand portfolios related to the population in Cyprus’ northern Turkish occupied areas over to Directorate General of regional development (DGREGIO). The new strategy was inaugurated during Commissioner Cretu’s visit to the island.

Cyprus has been divided since the 1974 Turkish invasion. The latest round of UN peace talks began in May this year to help find a negotiated settlement that would reunite the country under a federal roof.