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![UNSG Ban Ki-Moon said that Cyprus is at a critical juncture in its history and the time for reunification is now [Xinhua]](http://thebricspost.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/260341756_8-e1478608561391.jpg)
UNSG Ban Ki-Moon said that Cyprus is at a critical juncture in its history and the time for reunification is now [Xinhua]
Cyprus has been partitioned in two since 1974 after a Greek coup spurred Turkey to send forces to the northern part of the Mediterranean island, and has been the home of the UN’s longest-serving peacekeeping mission.
“The prospect of a solution in Cyprus is within their reach,” UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon told reporters as the negotiations got underway in Mont Pelerin, Switzerland on Monday.
Anastasiades and Akinci will for the first time discuss tough security and territorial issues.
The talks between both leaders began 17 months ago and this round of discussions is scheduled to last until November 11.
The talks won’t be easy as substantial problems remain.
“Disagreements remain on issues which have been discussed,” Anastasiades told reporters. “Important … security and territorial issues – which are decisive – have not yet been the object of any substantive dialogue.”
For his part, Akinci said that neither the talks nor the conflict could be allowed to continue indefinitely. He said the UN wasn’t willing to wait another 50 years for a solution.
The last attempt at peace talks ended in 2004 without any movement on a solution.
The BRICS Post with inputs from Agencies
