NICOSIA (Reuters) - Cypriots trying to thrash out a peace settlement have agreed on a common flag, providing a rare glimmer of hope in otherwise troubled reunification talks.

United Nations officials said on Saturday that Turkish- and Greek-Cypriot artists appointed by their leaders, had selected a design, not yet unveiled to the public, after going through over 1,000 submissions from 44 countries.

«Some were kids drawings, others were just jokes,» said UN official Peter Schmitz. Paying homage to Cyprus's national dish, the barbecue known locally as «souvla» and a favorite for both communities, one person submitted a drawing of two kebab skewers, he said. «I think the person that submitted it was just trying to show Cypriots' love for food and picnics. But a line had to be drawn somewhere.»

The design needs final vetting from leaders of the two communities before being released to the public.