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Turkish Cypriots halt own gas search to allow for peace talks resumption

Associated Press
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Cyprus' President Nicos Anastasiades, right, and President of Greece, Prokopis Pavlopoulos, talk as they shake hands after their meeting at the presidential palace in the capital Nicosia, Cyprus, Monday, March 30, 2015. President of Greece Prokopis Pavlopoulos arrived in Cyprus for a two-day official visit, his first since assuming his duties. (AP Photo/Petros Karadjias) (The Associated Press)

President of Greece, Prokopis Pavlopoulos, speaks to the media during a press conference after a meeting with Cyprus' President Nicos Anastasiades at the presidential palace in the capital Nicosia, Cyprus, Monday, March 30 , 2015. President of Greece Prokopis Pavlopoulos arrived in Cyprus for a two-day official visit, his first since assuming his duties. (AP Photo/Petros Karadjias) (The Associated Press)

Cyprus' President Nicos Anastasiades, right and President of Greece, Prokopis Pavlopoulos, speak to the media during a press conference after their meeting at the presidential palace in the capital Nicosia, Cyprus, Monday, March 30 , 2015. President of Greece Prokopis Pavlopoulos arrived in Cyprus for a two-day official visit, his first since assuming his duties. (AP Photo/Petros Karadjias) (The Associated Press)

Breakaway Turkish Cypriots say they have halted their own search for gas off the east Mediterranean island's coast in the latest sign that suspended reunification talks could restart soon.

Ozdil Nami, Turkish Cypriot foreign minister, told The Associated Press Monday that a Turkish vessel that has been searching for gas the last few months will be sent back to Turkey.

Nami also said that a gas search notice to shipping traffic won't be renewed "if the Greek Cypriot side does not either."

Cyprus was divided in 1974 when Turkey invaded after a coup aimed at union with Greece.

Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades suspended peace talks last October after Turkey announced its own gas search plans in waters where the Cypriot government licensed companies to drill.