Russian envoy voices hope for Cyprus talks progress

By Michael Hernandez

WASHINGTON (AA) - Russia's UN envoy expressed hope Thursday for progress in Cypriot peace talks following the conclusion of Turkey's presidential and parliamentary elections.

Vassily Nebenzia told reporters at the UN's New York headquarters that the poll's conclusion "hopefully will give an impetus to the political process to move forward.

“The environment may be different, and hopefully things will get moving,” he said.

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.

The latest attempt to reunify the long-divided Mediterranean island ended in failure in 2017 after two years of negotiations in Switzerland's Cranz-Montana.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974 following a military coup on the island and ensuing Turkish intervention.

The UK and Greece agreed Tuesday to encourage further steps towards a lasting settlement during a meeting between British Prime Minister Theresa May and her Greek counterpart, Alexis Tsipras, in London.

*Betul Yuruk contributed to this report from the United Nations