Annan signals new Cyprus talks

Turkey's PM Erdogan (right) is acting with a new confidence

Talks on the re-unification of Cyprus could resume soon, UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan said.

The UN-backed talks between the Turkish and Greek-speaking communities on the island broke off in March, when the Turkish Cypriot leader walked out.

Mr Annan, who was asked by Turkey to renew his efforts two weeks ago, said he had spoken to most of those involved, and "they all seemed ready".

"I hope to be able to invite them to a meeting shortly," he said.

He has made his announcement after meeting US President George W Bush in Washington on Tuesday.

Pressure mounts for a deal Turkey finds new Cyprus resolve

"President Bush supports my efforts and supports the plan we've put on the table and urges the parties to press ahead and negotiate and find a settlement on the basis of that," he said.

He has recently discussed the issue with Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Greek Cypriot President Tassos Papadopoulos, Greek President Costis Stephanopoulos and Greek Foreign Minister George Papandreou.

The only leader Mr Annan has not yet spoken to is the Turkish Cypriot President Rauf Denktash, who is known for his hardline views.

But Mr Denktash declared his support for the talks last week - after coming under pressure from Turkey and the new government in northern Cyprus.

Mr Annan says he wants all the sides to show "determination for a sustained effort" before calling for a resumption of talks.

Referendum condition

He also wants the two communities in Cyprus to commit to holding referendums on his re-unification plan by 1 May, regardless of whether they have reached agreement.

None of the leaders have publicly committed themselves to this condition.

Turkey proposed that the sides try to resolve as many issues as possible by 1 May, then put the resulting framework agreement to referendums on both sides in Cyprus - and let the UN fill in the blanks later.

It argues that this shortcut formula is the only chance to find a solution before Cyprus joins the EU.

Unless a re-unification deal is reached, only the internationally-recognised government in the south will join the EU in May.

Turkey is keen to find a resolution in order to end the political isolation of Turkish-speaking northern Cyprus and to further its own attempt to join the EU.

Cyprus has been partitioned since 1974, when a short-lived Greek-inspired coup prompted a Turkish invasion of the northern third of the island.

Thousands of people were displaced from their homes and many have never returned. The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus was declared in 1983, but has been recognised only by Turkey itself.