The UN hailed a "remarkably positive" atmosphere as rival Cypriot leaders resumed efforts Wednesday to solve one of the world's longest-running conflicts, saying the negotiations were off to a "good beginning".

"The atmosphere was positive... There was a remarkably positive attitude," Jeffrey Feltman, the United Nations under-secretary-general for political affairs, told reporters in the Swiss Alpine resort of Crans-Montana, where the talks aimed at bringing lasting peace to the Mediterranean island are taking place.

Source: AFP