NEWS

Anastasiades sees lack of progress on Cyprus talks

Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades on Monday confirmed a lack of progress in talks to reunite the Mediterranean island, blaming the impasse on Turkish intransigence.

During a meeting with Antonis Samaras in Athens, Anastasiades briefed the Greek premier on the main points of contention with the Turkish-Cypriot camp, which reportedly include the issue of Turkish settlers, the question of guarantors, confidence-building measures, and the implementation of the EU’s acquis communautaire.

In comments after the meeting – which was attended by Greek Foreign Minister Evangelos Venizelos and his Cypriot counterpart Ioannis Kasoulides – Samaras suggested that Turkey was responsible for the low expectations for a solution.

“Talks will continue but will only lead to a settlement if the other side displays genuine political will,” said Samaras.

“Greece and Cyprus will continue our peaceful struggle to overturn the fait accompli of the Turkish occupation,” he said, adding that Turkey has yet to fall in line with international law and its EU obligations.

Analysts say volatility in the Middle East and upcoming presidential elections in Turkey have moved the Cyprus issue down on Ankara’s political agenda. Anastasiades will meet opposition leaders in Athens on Tuesday.

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