Cyprus Leaders begin their 37th meeting

President of the Republic of Cyprus Demetris Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat began their 37th meeting on Thursday, in the context of UN-led direct negotiations to reach a settlement of the Cyprus problem.

During their previous meeting, the leaders of the two communities read their introductory statements on the issue of security and guarantees. Today they are expected to officially respond to those introductory statements.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third.

President Christofias and Talat have been engaged in direct negotiations since September 2008, with an aim to reunite the island.