Nicosia - Greek Cypriot President Dimitris Christofias has suggested a series of proposals towards further reconciliation of the Greek and Turkish parts of the divided Mediterranean island.

Among the proposals broadcast on Cypriot television Wednesday morning was the cancellation of the annual autumn military exercises by the National Guard in the Greek Cypriot south of the island and the Turkish Army in the north.

"I also propose a full demilitarization of the Old City of Nicosia and the setting up of a demilitarized zone," Christofias said in a speech to the Council of Europe shown on television.

Christofias and Turkish Cypriot President Mehmet Ali Talat have been negotiating the reunification of Cyprus for weeks and hope to meet again on October 10 to continue the talks.

The aim of the talks is to form a federation of the northern and southern parts of the island.

The Greek southern part of the island, known as the Republic of Cyprus, has been a member of the European Union since January 2004.

The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is only recognized by Turkey.

Turkey occupied the northern part of the island in 1974 following a Greek coup and has some 35,000 troops stationed there. (dpa)