Turkish Cypriot Leader Meets Un Envoy On Cyprus Talks

Turkish Cypriot President Mustafa Akinci held on Monday a "detailed and fruitful" meeting with the UN special envoy on Cyprus talks.



The meeting between Akinci and Jane Holl Lute at the presidential place in Lefkosa, -- which was closed to press -- lasted for around two hours.



Speaking after the meeting, Turkish Cypriot presidential spokesman Baris Burcu said both sides held a "detailed and fruitful meeting" and will meet again on Tuesday.



Lute, who arrived on the island for consultations with both sides as part of the resumption of Cyprus talks, held a meeting with Greek Cypriot leader Nicos Anastasiades on Sunday.



Cyprus has seen an on-and-off peace process in recent years, including the latest initiative in Switzerland under the auspices of guarantor countries Turkey, Greece, and Britain collapsing last year.



The UN has sought a peace deal to unite Cyprus under a federal umbrella that could also define the future of Europe's relations with Turkey, a key player in the conflict.



Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when a Greek Cypriot coup was followed by violence against the island's Turks, and Ankara's intervention as a guarantor power. -