Cyprus talks in chaos

ANKARA/ATHENS: Cyprus reunification talks were in disarray yesterday after reports the Turkish Cypriot side would not join this week’s meeting because of the commemoration by Greek Cypriots of a plebiscite on union with Greece more than 60 years ago.

Talks between Greek Cypriot leader Nicos Anastasiades and Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci were interrupted last week.

Anastasiades and Akinci, engaged in peace talks for almost two years, were scheduled to meet once a week, with the next meeting today. But Akinci will not be present, Turkey’s NTV channel and a Greek Cypriot official said.