Cyprus Update: United Nations express concern over worship limit in North Cyprus

A United Nations envoy, Espen Barth Eide has expressed "deep concern" over a newly-imposed limit on worship in Orthodox Christian churches in North Cyprus.

According to Espen Barth Eide, he said he has spoken with Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci to help "rectify" the new policy that reportedly limits worship in any church to once a year.

Eide, who is also a mediator in the ongoing reunification talks between the two sides on Thursday, said that the move "directly counter to the bi-communal spirit" that has been built up in recent years.

Both Cyprus leaders have over the last few years taken great measures in promoting religious freedom, especially in the north Cyprus where abandoned churches have remained unused for decades.

Cyprus was split in 1974 when Turkey invaded after a coup by supporters of union with Greece.