ISTANBUL, Turkey: Mehmet Ali Talat, leader of the Turkish Cypriots, has criticized a comment made by Cyprus president ahead of next month's reunification talks.

Talat said Thursday that Dimitris Christofias recent remark that the Morphou resort would be returned to Greek Cypriot administration during a reunification could hamper the talks the two leaders plan to hold September 3 aimed at ending Cyprus 34 year division.

After years of deadlock regarding reunification, comments about the future of the ethnically divided island can easily cause arguments.

Cyprus split in 1974, when Turkey invaded after an Athens backed coup aimed at union with Greece.

The breakaway Turkish Cypriot north is only recognized by Turkey. 

Source : AP