Turkish, Greek Cypriots seek elusive unity deal

While each of the leaders predicted ahead of the afternoon talks that success would depend on the goodwill and commitment of the other side, UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, who is hosting the negotiations, warned them that balking at his conditions could also derail the quest for a quick accord.

The Mediterranean island of Cyprus has been split along ethnic lines since 1974, when Turkey held peace operation in the north of the island after a Greek Cypriot coup backed by Greece.