Erdogan: Turkey to remain guarantor of reunified Cyprus

Turkey's president says his country must continue to underwrite the security of Cyprus, even if there's a deal reunifying the island that's divided along ethnic Greek and Turkish lines.

However, Recep Tayyip Erdogan said in Istanbul today that a full pullout would be possible if Greece, which also deploys a small troop contingent in Cyprus, does the same.

Erdogan's remarks came a day after the top diplomats of Cyprus' "guarantors" -- Greece, Turkey and Britain -- discussed in Geneva the complex issue of protecting both communities from possible hostilities if a reunification deal unravels.

Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades said in Geneva today the fact that the guarantors broached security matters for the first time offers hope for a deal.