Cyprus Will Resume Unity Talks

Leaders of the Greek and Turkish portions of Cyprus said today they will restart negotiations on reunification of the Mediterranean island, Reuters reports. Dimitris Christofias, recently elected leader of Greek Cyprus, and Mehmet Ali Talat, who represents Turkish Cyprus, also announced that Ledra Street, a key shopping avenue long shut down in the divided capital, Nicosia, will reopen.

Reunification talk is seen as a boon for Turkey's bid for EU membership, long hindered by its backing of the independent Turkish sector of Cyprus. "It was the best possible result at this moment," one analyst said. "They have agreed on the process. The opening of Ledra Street, which has been a trouble spot for many years, is very symbolic." (More European Union stories.)