Cyprus Talks: Both sides differs on talks resumption date

The Greek Cypriot side has said there is no time frame for the resumption of the Cyprus reunification talks which it say could be in October or November, a stance that differs from that of the Turkish Cypriot side who say they do not expect any move from the UN or the Greek Cypriot side before next year's elections in the south.

According to Greek Cypriot government spokesman, Nicos Christodoulides on Monday, from the meetings President Nicos Anastasiades had in New York with the UN secretary-general and those on the sidelines of the General Assembly, it was obvious that Turkey does not want to restart the talks soon.

Turkey is currently not ready. It was something that was heard in all of the meetings and it was also imparted by Ankara itself in meetings,” the spokesman said.

At the moment, Turkey’s priority is not the Cyprus issue so there is no time horizon. It may be in October or November but in no way do we have the luxury of a new failure.

Talks to reunify the island collapsed in Crans-Montana in July after both sides failed to reach a deal on security and guarantees.

Christodoulides also said the same message had been given by UN chief Antonio Guterres after his separate meetings with the two leaders in New York, reports the Cyprus Mail.

Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci on his return from New York, said the UN chief would be evaluating the possibility of reviving the talks once the elections in “south Cyprus” take place next year adding that he did not expect the negotiations to restart any time soon.