Rival leaders of Cyprus drink Zivania in divided capital

NICOSIA – The Associated Press

Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akıncı and Greek Cypriot leader Nicos Anastasiades clink glasses in old Nicosia. Reuters photo

Rival Greek and Turkish Cypriot leaders took a stroll together on both sides of the divided capital's medieval center, sharing snacks and drinks, to raise the feel-good factor as talks aimed at reunifying the split island kick into gear.

It's the first time that the leaders have done so together since the east Mediterranean island was split in 1974.

Greek Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades and Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akıncı met inside the United Nations-controlled buffer zone om May 23 before sitting down at cafes on both sides of the divide for coffee, pastries and Zivania, a traditional vodka-like clear spirit.

Both Anastasiades and Akıncı said they wanted to send out a message of hope and that they'll work hard for peace.