The European Commission urged Cypriots today to seize a "historic chance" to reunite and end the conflict that has been plaguing the divided island for decades, according to dpa. "There is a historic chance now to end this conflict once and for all," EU Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso said. "The time is now. Do not allow a situation where the younger generation will accept the status quo," he told journalists during a brief once-day visit to Nicosia. After meeting with Cypriot President Dimitris Christofias, Barroso said the EU Commission was ready to help and support a deal on Cyprus, but stressed that "we can help find a solution, we can support a solution, but it is up to the Cypriots themselves to find a solution."
