The latest round of negotiations between the Greek-Cypriot and Turkish-Cypriot leaderships over a long-awaited solution appeared to have broken off on Monday evening, with one reason given being continuing differences over the number of Greek-Cypriots allowed to return to occupied territories in the wake of any resolution.
The latest round of negotiations between the Greek-Cypriot and Turkish-Cypriot leaderships over a long-awaited solution appeared to have broken off on Monday evening, with one reason given being continuing differences over the number of Greek-Cypriots allowed to return to occupied territories in the wake of any resolution.
Talks had continued up until midnight by Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades and TC leader Mustafa Akinci at the Swiss alpine resort of Mont Pelerin.
At roughly 2 a.m. (Athens time) a Cyprus government spokesman said that despite the best offices of the UN, there was no progress on the land issue, which is related to the number of Greek-Cypriot refugees allowed to return.
Nevertheless, the spokesman referred to progress over map criteria, while adding that Nicosia was ready, after briefing Athens, on the prospect of a multi-party meeting -- which would include Turkey.
Spokesman Nicos Christodoulides also dismissed criticism by Akinci, who claimed the talks collapsed due to the Greek Cypriot side’s “maximalist” positions.
He also expressed a hope for a meeting between the Greek and Turkish leaders on the issue to materialize.