ANKARA, August 28 (RIA Novosti) - The Turkish Cypriot leader said Thursday he hoped the Cyprus problem would be resolved by the end of the year.
Mehmet Ali Talat spoke at a news conference after talks with Turkish President Abdullah Gul in Ankara ahead of negotiations between Greek and Turkish Cypriots on the island's reunification, set for September 3.
Progress on the issue has been stalled since Greek Cypriots rejected a UN-proposed reunification plan in 2004.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkey invaded the north in response to a military coup on the island that was backed by Athens. The Northern Cypriot state is recognized only by Turkey.