Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos and Turkish-Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat disagreed sharply in exploratory talks yesterday and look unlikely to meet again soon, a spokesman for the Nicosia government said.

“It is clear that there is a difference of opinion – that is a fact,” Vassilis Palmas said, adding that Talat had turned down an invitation by Papadopoulos for further talks next Monday. Talat also refused to consider an overture for talks in October, but said he would discuss the matter with United Nations envoy to Cyprus Michael Moller, Palmas added.

Both leaders reiterated their stances regarding the way forward for peace talks. Papadopoulos stressed his support for the “twin-track” process of exploratory talks agreed upon in July 2006. Talat distanced himself from this pact while attempting to resurrect the Annan plan, Palmas said.