Cyprus leaders in joint TV address

Nicos Anastasiades and Mustafa Akinci want a peace deal in the new year

Greek and Turkish Cypriot leaders on the divided island of Cyprus have for the first time given a joint TV address to wish residents a happy holiday.

President Nicos Anastasiades and Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci said they hoped for a peace deal in 2016.

The latest round of negotiations aiming at reunification have been going on for more than seven months.

The Turkish-controlled north broke away in 1974 after a Greek-inspired coup.

'Optimism' at peace talks

Rocky road to reunification

Mr Anastasiades said his wish was for Greek and Turkish Cypriots to be able to live peacefully together in a reunified Cyprus, while Mr Akinci said he hoped 2016 would bring lasting peace for all.

"I wish the new year will bring lasting peace, serenity and prosperity to all Cypriots," Mr Akinci is quoted as saying by the Cyprus Mail.

The newspaper said the leaders will meet three times in January.

In 2004, Greek Cypriots rejected a UN plan to reunify the island. They were unhappy at limits on their right to return to property in the Turkish north.

Turkish Cypriots voted in favour of the plan.

The self-declared Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is diplomatically isolated, recognised only by Turkey.

UN peacekeeping forces estimate that 165,000 Greek Cypriots fled or were expelled from the north, and 45,000 Turkish Cypriots from the south, although the parties to the conflict say the figures are higher.