Boris Johnson hails ‘real progress’ despite talks aimed at ending the four-decade long partition of Cyprus end without a deal
Foreign Secretary welcomed further talks saying: 'I believe a historical agreement is within reach'
BORIS Johnson has hailed "real progress" at the talks aimed at ending the partition of Cyprus despite no deal being reached.
Following the Geneva discussions intended to end division between the Greek and Turkish communities on the island, the Foreign Secretary welcomed further talks on achieving an accord between experts.
"I welcome the real progress made towards finding a solution to the Cyprus settlement over the last few days, in particular on the future security of a united Cyprus," he said.
"Expert talks will start on 18 January ahead of further political-level talks later this month."
Mr Johnson added: "With continued commitment and political will, I believe a historical agreement is within reach."
Any settlement will have to be supported in separate referendums of the two communities.
A previous agreement in 2004 was rejected by Greek Cypriot voters.
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The Mediterranean island has been divided since 1974 when Turkish troops staged an invasion in response to a coup by Greek Cypriots aimed at uniting with Greece.
UN peacekeepers continue to patrol the buffer zone between the breakaway Turkish Cypriot north - recognised only by Turkey - and the internationally-recognised Greek Cypriot south.