LOC22:59
19:59 GMT
ANKARA, May 23 (KUNA) -- President of Turkish Cypriots Mustafa Akinci and Greek Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades have sent a message of peace and hope for Cyprus and the new generations.
After a candid meeting and a tour to the northern part of the old city of Nicosia at both sides of the divided island, the two leaders expressed their determination, political will and sharing of a common vision to reach a peaceful settlement in Cyprus as soon as possible.
"I would like to give a message of hope in Cyprus because all we need is hope after all disappointments in the past," Akinci said.
Anastasiades and Akinci met at 11:00 a.m. today, at the Ledras street check point and walked to the north of the old city of Nicosia in an euphoric climate created by shop owners and people gathered to applause them and to call for Cyprus solution.
"I wish to send a strong message that we will work intensely to reach a peaceful agreement as soon as possible," President Anastasiades said during his first visit to the northern part of the island since his 2013 election.
"There should be a solution for the future of two societies," he said. (end)
rs.ibi