Cyprus-Forum.com

[Paphitis]

US official says Washington hopes for Cyprus deal by the end of 2009

ISTANBUL - Washington anticipates an agreement to reunify the divided island of Cyprus by the end of the year, U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Matthew Bryza said Monday.

Washington will not become directly involved in the slow-moving, open-ended peace talks unless Cypriots ask for help, but "we are trying to plan for success," Bryza was quoted by AP as saying.

He was speaking to reporters after meeting Greek Cypriot leader Demetris Christofias' top aide George Iacovou in Nicosia, where he is also scheduled to meet Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat.

Cyprus has been divided since 1964 when Turkish Cypriots were forced to withdraw into enclaves.

Re-launched in September 2008 after a four-year hiatus, Talat and Christofias have been involved in U.N.-sponsored unification talks aimed at reaching an agreement to end the island's decades-long division. But there has been little real progress.

The talks mark the first major push for peace since the failure of a U.N. reunification plan in 2004, which was approved by Turkish Cypriots but overwhelmingly rejected by Greek Cypriots.

http://www.hurriyet.com.tr/english/worl ... sp?gid=244

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Is Washington a little too optimistic or do they know that something might be brewing in the background.

Erdogan has already stated that Turkey may even open its Ports and Airspace to Cypriot Registered ships and aircraft, in time for the December EU progress report. Coincidence?

Or are the Americans just trying to set strict time lines in order to quickly facilitate Turkey's EU accession?

[Dr J]

My guess its all talk. Unless Turkey wants to stop taking the piss in their hostage style negotiating - then sod all will happen.