Cypriot leaders resume unification talks

NICOSIA, Cyprus, Jan. 28 (UPI) -- Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot leaders met Wednesday for United Nations-sponsored talks aimed at unifying the island.

Greek Cypriot leader Demetris Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat last year committed to making a federal government with a single international identity, as well as a Turkish Cypriot Constituent State and a Greek Cypriot Constituent State.

"As customary they started with a one-hour tete-a-tete, following which the two sides formally presented the principles which will guide the negotiations on the property issue," said Taye-Brook Zerihoun, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's special representative.

The statement said the leaders committed to meeting again in a week to further discuss governance of the Mediterranean island.

They agreed to crease advisory board on the preservation, physical protection and restoration of the Cypriot cultural heritage.