Turkish could become official EU language through Greek Cyprus' efforts

Turkish could become an official language of the European Union thanks to the efforts of the Greek Cypriot leader, according to a spokesman for the president of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. 

Nicos Anastasiades has been lobbying for Turkish to be made the EU's 25th official language ahead of expected reunification with Northern Cyprus, spokesman Bar?? Burcu said on Jan. 19, two days before the island's two leaders make a joint appeal to the world's political and business elite in Davos on Jan. 21.

Burcu described the move as a "late but well-meaning step," according to Turkey's state-run Anadolu Agency. 

Talks between Anastasiades and Turkish Cypriot President Mustafa Ak?nc? to produce a peaceful federal state with two autonomous entities have been positive so far and many of those involved have said they expect an agreement on reunifying the island to be made by the end of the year. 

"Turkish will be one of the official languages of the prospective united federation, if we come to any agreement," Burcu said in Nicosia. 

The Greek Cypriot administration has been an EU member since 2004. Turkish Cypriots are considered EU citizens, even though they live on territory not under the control of the Greek Cypriot government.      

Two leaders to jointly address Davos 

Anastasiades and Ak?nc? are scheduled to make an unprecedented joint appeal at a special session titled "Reuniting Cyprus" at the annual World Economic Forum in Davos on Jan. 21. 

U.N. and European officials say the prospects of finally reaching a peace deal to resolve one of the oldest frozen conflicts on the planet are better than at any time since Greek Cypriots rejected a U.N. peace plan in 2004. 

"While the world...