Little progress in Cyprus talks

No advance in UN-hosted talks between Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot leaders.

cyprus talks turkey greece nicosia
The meeting between Papadopoulos and Talat is their first in over a year [AFP]

Moeller said the two leaders “agreed on the need for the earliest start for the  process” and “discussed other issues leading to a comprehensive settlement.”

 

However, Moeller did not say whether he was referring to reunification talks demanded by the Turkish Cypriots or twin-track talks on substantive and day-to-day issues agreed by the two leaders at their last meeting.

 

Differences remain

 

Diplomats had said they did not expect a major breakthrough from Wednesday’s talks because of Greek Cypriot elections in February and disputes over the direction of the peace talks.

 

The differences between Greece and Turkey have the potential to harm Turkey’s effort to become a member of the European Union (EU).

 

Turkey‘s entry hopes are complicated because Cyprus is already a member of the EU bloc, and as such it holds veto rights over Ankara.

 

Papadopoulos led Greek Cypriot rejection of a UN power-sharing plan in 2004 which the Turkish Cypriots accepted.

 

He is seeking re-election, and is slightly ahead of his two main contenders in opinion polls.

 

Cyprus is represented in the EU by its internationally recognised Greek Cypriot government, led by Papadopoulos.

 

Turkey supports a separate Turkish Cypriot state in north Cyprus headed by Talat.

Source: News Agencies