The divided Mediterranean island of Cyprus faces its best opportunity in more than three decades to reunite - a prospect that could also improve Turkey's chances of joining the European Union, analysts say.
The president of the Republic of Cyprus, Dimitris Christofias, and his Turkish-Cypriot counterpart, Mehmet Ali Talat, began discussions to resolve the 34-year-old quarrel earlier this month in the no-man's-land dividing their capital, Nicosia.
"We must, at long last, put an end to the suffering of our people and reunite our country," Mr. Christofias said as he headed into the meeting. Mr. Talat underlined that the final goal was to make "a divided island a common place where two nations are living."
The Sept. 3 meeting, which was largely ceremonial, was followed by talks Sept. 18 that dealt with issues of governance and power-sharing. A third round between the rival leaders is scheduled for next week.
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