The Greek-Cypriot President Anastasiades stated on 27 May 2016 he would resume peace talks with the President of the unrecognized Turkish part of Cyprus. Earlier talks seemed to have stalled following an earlier incident in which the Turkish-Cypriot leaders was invited to a state dinner on 23 May for heads of state during the Humanitarian Summit in Istanbul. The move was considered as a breach of protocol since officially the Greek-Cypriot President is the official head of state of Cyprus. Efforts by both the UN and the Vice-President of the US Joe-Biden had encouraged Anastasiades however to resume the peace process, which was given impetus earlier this year in January.

The island has been divided since 1974, during which the Turkish army invaded the Turkish part, following a coup d'etat by the Greek military junta. Earlier efforts have been made to unify the island, such as in 2004 with the Annan Peace Plan, that was voted down in a referendum by the Greeks. The atmosphere seems more favourable now for a deal due to the relatively recently discovered gas reserves next to Cyprus and the earlier economic troubles Cyprus has faced as unifcation could lead to potential economic benefits for both sides of the island.

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For a short historical overview of Cyprus by the BBC click here.

For recent economic figures on Cyprus, click here and here.