The Cyprus peace process continues to generate high hopes and bring the two halves of the island, separated since 1974, closer to reunification. Both sides have said they are extremely optimistic after the first round of discussions on Thursday, which addressed controversial issues at the heart of the dispute. Turkish Cypriot Prime Minister Ferdi Sabit Soyer announced that reunification could take place as early as "late 2008 or mid 2009", since the negotiations currently underway "not only cover the future administration [of the island], but all aspects of the Cyprus problem."

Indeed, Thursday's meeting broached one of the most controversial issues of all, the withdrawal of the Turkish troops that have been stationed in the north of the island since 1974. Turkish Cypriot leaders have agreed to set a timetable for the soldiers' withdrawal, although it has also been said that a reduced military presence would need to remain as a "security guarantee".

The Greek Cypriot President, Dimitris Christofias, again called for the Turks to show good will and said that the cooperation of the Turkish state would be essential if a "fair, viable and effective solution" is to be found.

The UN has also said that Thursday's discussion was "fruitful". UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, urged both Cypriot leaders to pursue their "political leadership with a sense of flexibility and wisdom". Flexibility will be particularly important, he said, when it comes to discussing power-sharing, governance and property rights. Meanwhile, the UN special envoy for Cyprus, Alexander Downer, said that the UN will not implement a plan for reunification unless both sides show they are willing to participate in the drafting process.

Further information:

• SETimes.com: Turkish Cypriots to push for rapid conclusion of reunification talks, PM says
• UN News Centre: Negotiations on Cyprus make ‘fruitful' start, says UN envoy
• MónDivers: Els turcoxipriotes accepten una reducció de les tropes turques a l'illa