A final settlement in 2010?

Will Cyprus be reunified in 2010? In the wake of a recent meeting between the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot presidents, Dimitris Christofias and Mehmet Ali Talat, Phileleftheros notes that the schedule for talks "has been intensified." The report in the main Greek Cypriot daily describes 2009 as a year marked by diplomatic stagnation, which may be at an end "now that the two leaders have agreed to step up the frequency of their encounters to push forward with peace negotiations." With a view to finding a solution for the divided island, which has been partially occupied by the Turkish army since 1974, "Dimitri Christofias and Mehmet Ali Talat are set to hold no less than six meetings within the framework of UN-backed talks, over a ten-day period early next year. Discussions will focus on the governance of the island, EU membership, and the property rights of Greek Cypriots who were driven out of the northern part of the island. In view of the fact that "the talks could result in significant decisions," Phileleftheros wonders if "2010 will be the year when UN pressure for a reunification plan finally comes to fruition."