BRUSSELS
European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker said on Thursday that he is “optimistic” a solution will be reached on the divided island of Cyprus.
Speaking at a press conference after meeting with Turkish Cypriot President Mustafa Akinci and Greek Cypriot leader Nicos Anastasiades in Lefkosa on Thursday, Juncker said: "After the talks I had with the two leaders I am very optimistic they trust each other… they have a common determination and willingness to conclude to find a solution for a too-old problem."
"This is one of the remaining problems and major conflicts," Juncker said, referring to how the Cyprus issue remains a major political obstacle to Turkey's accession to the EU.
"If this [a solution] happens and I’m praying that this will happen….this will not only be good news for Cyprus, this will be a good news for entire European Union," Juncker added.
Akinci and Anastasiades resumed talks on reunifying the island following Akinci’s election in April. Negotiations were resumed following a two-year hiatus in February 2013 but stalled in October last year after a row over mineral exploration around in the island.
