Cyprus divided – 40 years on

President Nicos Anastasiades of Cyprus said that the island’s current division, as a result of what he described the continuing Turkish occupation since 1974, must not be allowed to become permanent.

But he is also optimistic of the benefits that can result from a solution. He said the “tragedy of the invasion must not be allowed to run full circle”.

Anastasiades said that the current prevailing conditions could allow a win-win solution of the Cyprus problem, provided the Turkish Cypriot side and Turkey understand this.

For his part Turkish President, Abdullah Gul has called for renewed talks to reunite the island. Gul visited northern Cyprus on the anniversary of the division of Cyprus.

So, will Cyprus be reunited one day? Or will it remain divided forever?

Presenter: Mike Hanna

Guests:

Alexander Apostolides, member of the national economic council to the president of Cyprus.  

Ahmet Sozen, chair of the department of political science and international relations at the Eastern Mediterranean University.

George Lordos, representative of the bicommunal Famagusta initiative, a civil society group comprising Greek and Turkish Cypriots.