Cypriot leaders announce progress in peace talks

Cyprus' rival leaders have said that a deal to reunify the divided island remains within reach as negotiations break for a Turkish Cypriot presidential election next month. Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) President Mehmet Ali Talat and Greek Cypriot administration leader Dimitris Christofias said that they were encouraged by "important progress" made on power-sharing, economic and EU matters during 19 months of UN-facilitated talks. "We are convinced that with perseverance, we shall achieve a comprehensive settlement," they said in a joint statement, read on Tuesday by UN Envoy Alexander Downer after the leaders met in Nicosia.