For the first time ever the leaders of the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities have delivered a joint televised message for Christmas.<br /><br /> They spoke initially in their own languages and then in each others to express their hopes for peace in a reunited country.<br /><br /> The Turkish Cypriot President Mustafa Akinci said he wished a prosperous New Year and permanent peace to all Cypriots. <br /><br /> Sentiments shared by his Greek Cypriot counterpart Nicos Anastasiades who said he wanted Greek and Turkish Cypriots to live in harmony side by side in a peaceful, reunified homeland. <br /><br /> Local reports say the two men will meet at least three times in January.<br /><br /> For more than seven months, talks have ongoing over reuniting the divided island.<br /><br /> The Turkish-controlled north broke away in 1974 after a Greek-inspired coup. Today it’s only recognised internationally by Turkey.<br /><br /> A 2004 United Nations plan to reunify the island was accepted by Turkey but rejected by Greek Cypriots.
