Rival Greek, Turkish Cypriot leaders resume talks to unify ethnically split Cyprus

NICOSIA, Cyprus – The leaders of Cyprus' Greek and Turkish Cypriot communities are embarking on a new round of talks aimed at achieving the long-elusive goal of reunifying the ethnically split island nation.

In a scene familiar from numerous past talks, the two leaders are meeting Tuesday inside the United Nations-controlled buffer zone slicing across the capital, Nicosia.

Greek Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades and breakaway Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu ended a 20-month stalemate after agreeing on a document outlining the parameters of a planned federation — a different approach from previous talks.

Cyprus was split in 1974 when Turkey invaded after a coup aiming to unite the island with Greece. Anastasiades faces strong criticism from some party leaders who say the document bodes ill for a fair settlement.