Turkey says could annex north if Cyprus stays split

Turkey would consider annexing northern Cyprus if talks between Greek and Turkish Cypriots fail to reach a deal on reunification of the island, Turkey's European Affairs Minister Egemen Bagis told a

Turkish Cypriot newspaper.

Since the United Nations persuaded Turkish and Greek Cyprus to renew efforts late 2011, little progress has been made in negotiations to reunite the island, divided since 1974. (Reuters)