In an unprecedented move, Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades stood side by side on television on Thursday to issue the first-ever joint Christmas greeting with Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci. This move is a positive step in mediation for the ethnically divided nation.

“I wish the new year will allow us, Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots, to live once again more peacefully in a reunited country,” said Anastasiadas.

Along the same lines, Akinci said: “I wish the new year will bring lasting peace, serenity and prosperity to all Cypriots.”