The leaders of Cyprus' two communities have more disagreements than agreements so far at the substantive reunification talks they launched last month, Turkish Cypriot media revealed on Monday.
The Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris, citing unnamed diplomatic sources, reported that during two meetings in September, the two sides discussed 20 topics regarding the governance and power-sharing under the future federal structure.
Greek Cypriot leader Demetris Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat could reach agreement in principle on only seven issues, including struggle against illegal immigration and other crimes, the structure of federal police force, appointment of diplomats and meteorological institution.
They had to put off the bargaining to future meetings on 11 more important topics, such as foreign relations and international agreements, defense policies, ties with European Union, central bank functions, post and communication, aviation and natural resources.
On two other issues -- UN Convention on the Law of the Sea of Dec. 10, 1982 and antiquities -- the two sides could not reconcile with each other, reported the daily.
Meanwhile, Christofias, president of Cyprus, admitted on Sunday night that no significant progress had been made at the direct talks.
"The problem is that there is no impressive progress, not to say that there is no progress at all," the Cypriot president told reporters at his departure for Bulgaria for an official visit.
Still, he noted that the Greek Cypriot side would continue the dialogue with the Turkish Cypriots with good will and flexibility, adding he could not be pessimistic.
Cyprus has been remained divided since 1974 when the Turkish military intervened and occupied the north of the island following a coup by a group of Greek officers.
In 1983, the Turkish Cypriot authorities declared the establishment of the breakaway "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus," which is recognized only by Turkey.
The Cyprus issue has been a main obstacle to Turkey's bid for European Union membership.
Source:Xinhua
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