Rival leaders of the island of Cyprus have begun their first substantive talks aimed at reunifying the island after 34 years of division.

Cyprus President Demetris Christofias and rival Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat met at a compound in Nicosia.

After last week's largely ceremonial talks, this meeting will address issues that have derailed past processes.

One of the key matters on the agenda will be a possible power-sharing structure for a united Cyprus.

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Complex process

As Mr Talat arrived for the meeting he expressed optimism that the talks would provide a positive outcome.

"It's a unique language of peace that will keep us together," he said.

On Wednesday, the UN Special Representative to Cyprus, Taye-Brook Zerihoun, said he was pleased that "the complex and challenging process" of finding a negotiated settlement to the Cyprus problem had begun in earnest.

"The road ahead will be pot-holed and sometimes perilous, but it does not look blocked," he added.

Security issues, property disputes and Turkey's military presence on the island remain key issues to be resolved.

Analysts say the talks have a real chance of bringing the dispute - which threatens Turkey's EU membership hopes - to an end.

The island has been divided since a Turkish invasion in 1974, triggered by a brief Greek-inspired coup in Nicosia.

Turkey has 35,000 troops in the breakaway Turkish Cypriot north.

Mr Christofias and Mr Talat - both seen as moderates - are expected to meet at least once a week after this second round of talks.

They have also agreed to set up a hotline so they can remain in constant telephone contact throughout the negotiations.

However, the UN has warned that talks should not continue indefinitely without concrete progress being made.

The last attempt at a negotiated solution - in 2004 - collapsed when Turkish Cypriots voted in favour of a UN settlement plan which was rejected by Greek Cypriot voters.

As a result, Cyprus joined the European Union that year as a divided island with Turkish Cypriots denied the bloc's membership benefits.

(BBC)

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