The round of talks held these days between Greek and Turkish Cypriots are in emergency mode. The summit between the two parties could be the last chance to reach a solution to the conflict affecting both communities. The mood of talks has in fact been decreasing in the last months ever since Greek Cypriot communist president Demetris Christofias and his Turkish counterpart Mehmet Ali Talat took a stance in favour of reunification in 2008. Even the United Nations fears the forthcoming presidential elections in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus due in April 2010. Ali Talat might not win a second term in office and could be replaced by a president less inclined to reunification. The prospect is likely to happen if last legislatives elections, won by the conservative National Unity Party (UBP), are taken into consideration

The talks held this month are divided in two stages: from 11 to 13 and from 25 to 27 of January. The process then will be brought to a halt to allow Ali Talat get ready for the election campaign. The current stage, though, was opened on Sunday, when Turkish Cypriots made a proposal to the Greek side which granted a great deal of sovereignty for the two areas. Greeks said the plan was a "provocation", as the arrangement "speaks of two separate sates in the framework of a confederation". According to the Irish Times correspondent, Christofias called upon Turkey to "come to its senses" and to commit itself to reunification. The Greek Cypriot president is in favour of a bicommunal federation with a single citizenship.

Parties must overcome many other vital issues, such as land property -which changed hands when Turkish troops invaded the island in 1974-, border drawing and ties with Turkey. It is a primary concern for negotiators to reach an agreement on the less controversial issues like those related to economy, institution-building and European politics.

Further information:

• ekathimerini.com: Latest talks seen as last chance for the reunification of Cyprus
• Hürriyet: Cyprus talks and the package (I)
• CyprusMail: Nine-hour marathon for two leaders
• Nationalia:Turkish Cyprus grows impatient at ending the peace process and put a new settlement to referendum and Talks on Cyprus reunification enter critical stage.