Cyprus talks on reunification collapse
After more than 40 years of division, with the Mediterranean island ever be one again?
Talks to reunify the divided island of Cyprus collapsed this morning after a tumultuous final session reportedly marred by yelling and drama.
Antonio Guterres, the UN secretary-general, told a news conference: "I'm very sorry to tell you that despite the very strong commitment and engagement of all the delegations and different parties... the conference on Cyprus was closed without an agreement being reached."
Guterres hoped to reunite the island under Greek-Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades and Mustafa Akıncı, the Turkish-Cypriot leader. He insisted that "other initiatives" could be developed.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Diplomats said Turkey had appeared to be offering little to Greek-Cypriots wanting a full withdrawal of Turkish troops from the island, although they had indicated readiness to make concessions on Turkish-Cypriot demands for a rotating presidency, the other key issue.
Why is Cyprus divided?
Sectarian conflict erupted after the island gained independence from Britain in 1960, culminating in Turkey's invasion of the northern part of the island in 1974 and subsequent declaration of an independent breakaway state.
For more than 40 years, UN troops have patrolled a buffer zone separating Cyprus, an EU member state, from its unrecognised northern third.
The status of the Greek-Cypriots displaced by the invasion and of their abandoned properties was the leading issue in the discussions, along with the future of the 30,000 Turkish troops still stationed there.
"The Greek side insists they must all be pulled out, while the Turkish side says some must remain," says Reuters.
Will Cyprus ever be unified?
"Relations between Greek and Turkish Cypriots have warmed" in recent years, says Foreign Affairs, but hopes of reunification may have been "misplaced".
The rise of nationalist politics in Turkey, as well as tensions with the EU over Syria and the refugee crisis, mean neither Ankara not Athens is especially disposed to compromise.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
Why Bhutan hopes tourists will put a smile back on its face
Under The Radar The 'kingdom of happiness' is facing economic problems and unprecedented emigration
By Chas Newkey-Burden, The Week UK Published
-
7 beautiful towns to visit in Switzerland during the holidays
The Week Recommends Find bliss in these charming Swiss locales that blend the traditional with the modern
By Catherine Garcia, The Week US Published
-
The Week contest: Werewolf bill
Puzzles and Quizzes
By The Week US Published
-
Has the Taliban banned women from speaking?
Today's Big Question 'Rambling' message about 'bizarre' restriction joins series of recent decrees that amount to silencing of Afghanistan's women
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Cuba's energy crisis
The Explainer Already beset by a host of issues, the island nation is struggling with nationwide blackouts
By Rebekah Evans, The Week UK Published
-
Putin's fixation with shamans
Under the Radar Secretive Russian leader, said to be fascinated with occult and pagan rituals, allegedly asked for blessing over nuclear weapons
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Chimpanzees are dying of human diseases
Under the radar Great apes are vulnerable to human pathogens thanks to genetic similarity, increased contact and no immunity
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Deaths of Jesse Baird and Luke Davies hang over Sydney's Mardi Gras
The Explainer Police officer, the former partner of TV presenter victim, charged with two counts of murder after turning himself in
By Austin Chen, The Week UK Published
-
Quiz of The Week: 24 February - 1 March
Puzzles and Quizzes Have you been paying attention to The Week's news?
By Sorcha Bradley, The Week UK Published
-
Will mounting discontent affect Iran election?
Today's Big Question Low turnout is expected in poll seen as crucial test for Tehran's leadership
By Sorcha Bradley, The Week UK Published
-
Sweden clears final NATO hurdle with Hungary vote
Speed Read Hungary's parliament overwhelmingly approved Sweden's accession to NATO
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published