NICOSIA, Oct. 14 (Xinhuanet) -- The Cyprus government on Friday accused the United States of promoting secessionism on the island by a planned meeting between US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat.

    Government spokesman Kypros Chrysostomides told the press that such a meeting does not enhance efforts to create a climate that will lead to reunification and the right settlement of the Cyprus problem.

    Jane Zimmerman, charge d'affaires of the US embassy in Nicosia said on Thursday that US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice was prepared to meet Mehmet Ali Talat in his capacity as the leader of the Turkish Cypriot community.

    Chrysostomides denounced that through their stance, the Americans promote secessionism and support Talat's "illegal ambitions" and the Turkish Cypriot community's goals to maintain division.

    Meanwhile, the spokesman said the Cyprus government is ready to participate in a new effort to resume the dialogue on the Cyprus question, as soon as UN Secretary General Kofi Annan extends an invitation.

    Cyprus has been divided into Greek Cypriot south and Turkish Cypriot north since 1974 when Turkey sent troops to take control of the island's northern third in response to a Greek-inspired coup.

    Cyprus under Greek Cypriot south became a EU member in May 2004, though efforts by the international community to reunite the island have so far failed, leaving the northern Cyprus, which is only recognized by Turkey, outside the European bloc. Enditem