Peace talks resume in Cyprus

NICOSIA, Cyprus, Aug. 17 (UPI) -- President Tassos Papadopoulos of Cyprus and Turkish-Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat have agreed to resume peace talks.

Talat accepted Papadopoulos’ invitation to resume talks Tuesday, the same day the Cyprus president sent a letter to United Nations representative Michael Moller, asking him to set up the meeting, Kathimerini reported Friday.

It was unclear when the talks would take place, but Talat spokesman Hasan Ercakica said comments by Cypriot Foreign Minister Erato Marcoullis could get in the way of negotiations.

The Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted: "Greek Cypriot FM Marcoullis has recently made improper expressions and statements regarding Turkey, Turkish Armed Forces and Chief of General Staff Gen. Yasar Buyukanit.

"Marcoullis cannot dare to defame Turkish Armed Forces and Chief of General Staff," the New Anatolian said.