Athens/Nicosia - The European Union's chief official for enlargement urged rival leaders on the divided Mediterranean island of Cyprus Friday to seize the unique chance for peace this year.
"There is a unique chance this year to reunite Cyprus and to bring an end this long-standing conflict on European soil," Olli Rehn, the European Union commissioner for enlargement, told journalists.
Speaking within a buffer zone that divides Cyprus' capital, Nicosia, Rehn said the EU was prepared to do everything possible to carry out a solution, adding "this chance must be taken and not missed."