Greek, Turkish Cypriots link arms across border for peace

NICOSIA - The Associated Press

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Dozens of Greek and Turkish Cypriots have linked arms across a U.N.-controlled buffer zone cutting across Nicosia to voice their support for a reunification agreement.

Beating drums, blowing whistles and singing traditional Cypriot folk songs, the demonstrators said real peace lies in the hands of ordinary people from both sides of the divide as the Mediterranean island’s reunification talks appear to be faltering.

Protesters said the event was to remind politicians not to let ordinary people down.

On May 26, a U.N. envoy called off meditation efforts with the island’s Greek Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades and Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akıncı after failing to find "common ground" on convening a final summit for an overall reunification deal.

But officials insisted talks haven’t collapsed.