Iran ready to host Cyprus unity talks: Envoy

Athens, Nov 8, IRNA – Iran's ambassador to Cyprus Reza Zabib in a meeting with President of Northern Cyprus Mustafa Akıncı voiced Iran's readiness to host Cyprus unity talks. Iran ready to host Cyprus unity talks: Envoy Zabib referred to Iran's firm policies towards unity of the Mediterranean island, saying that Tehran is ready to host Cyprus unity talks which would ensure interests of the people of Cyprus. President Akinci and his counterpart in the Greek Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades have agreed in late October to conduct a key phase of reunification talks in Mont Pelerin, Switzerland. The talks began in the Swiss mountain resort which locates in southwest of the country on November 7 to discuss how much territory each side will administer under an envisioned federation. The week-long talks were inaugurated by UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon. The Turkish and Greek Cypriot leaders have started reunification talks 17 months ago and have held over 100 meetings to solve the four-decade long dispute and remove obstacles on the way of the unity of the Mediterranean island. The Iranian ambassador told President Akinci that Tehran hopes the reunification talks in Switzerland would lead to a positive outcome. 1378/IRNA