Greek Cypriot leader urges Turkey 'to help' reunification talks

Turkey's input will be pivotal in overcoming key obstacles preventing a deal to reunify Cyprus, Greek Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades said on Nov. 4 ahead of crucial talks in Switzerland next week.

Anastasiades says he and Turkish Cypriot President Mustafa Akıncı have made significant progress on numerous issues making an envisioned federation workable. Those issues include ensuring the country's economic viability and the right of all citizens to live and work wherever they choose.

But he said it'll take the "resolute contribution" of Turkey and the Turkish Cypriot leadership to reach agreement on core issues such as security and how much territory either side will administer under an envisioned federal state.

Five days of intensive, U.N.-backed talks in the Swiss resort of Mont Pelerin will concentrate directly on territory issues. Officials say sufficient progress on this key issue would pave the way for a final summit to hammer out a comprehensive deal encompassing security matters.

"This is a critical juncture in the talks and he welcomes very much the fact that the two leaders have jointly expressed their hope that this meeting will pave the way for the last phase of the talks," U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric said in New York.

Anastasiades said progress in the talks means both sides must produce maps showing how much territory will fall in the administrative zone of each federal state.

The territorial component of a peace deal is crucial - Anastasiades said at least 100,000 Greek Cypriots must reclaim homes and property lost in the war, which would bolster support for any deal, which will be put to a vote in both communities.

Anastasiades said in a televised news conference "there's no chance...