Cyprus Takes Another Shot at Reunification

Greek and Turkish Cypriot leaders are currently holding talks for the reunification of the island. Other countries in the region are closely following the negotiations because a political settlement could open the door for energy cooperation in the Eastern Mediterranean involving Greece, Turkey and Israel. But significant domestic issues, including the restitution of property to Greek Cypriots and a decision on the reunited island's political system, are complicating the negotiations. International issues, such as the status of foreign military powers on the island, also factor into the talks. The final say on reunification will come from the Cypriot citizens themselves, who must ratify any agreement in a referendum.