Cyprus said yesterday that it was close to reviving stalled peace talks between the island’s Greek and Turkish communities, who have been locked in a festering, decades-old conflict.

Italy has stepped up to bat for Cyprus, with Italian defense minister Mario Mauro stating that provocations in the region should stop, noting also that the best route is that of dialogue and a constructive approach.

Former PM Kostas Simitis let fly barbs against nepotism in Greek political life, in presenting the book of former Cypriot president Georgios Vasileiou, entitled "A Contemporary Odyssey."