Cyprus leader calls off peace meeting after snub

Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades decided on 24 May 2016 to cancel scheduled peace talks with the Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci over what he understood as attempts to recognise the Turkish-held north of the divided island.

The decision was taken after Mr Anastasiades snubbed a state dinner at the humanitarian summit in Istambul on the day before, following the understanding that the Turkish Cypriot leader had also been invited.

Cypriot authorities also criticised UN Cyprus envoy Espen Barth Eide for his involvement in 'a deeply sensitive diplomatic game', according to EurActiv.

• Primary Source

ESO: Background information: 'Best chance Cyprus has had for peace' http://www.europeansources.info/record/best-chance-cyprus-has-had-for-peace/

Kathimerini, 24.05.16: Cyprus leader calls off peace meeting after snub http://www.ekathimerini.com/208950/article/ekathimerini/news/cyprus-leader-calls-off-peace-meeting-after-snub

Cyprus Mail, 24.05.16: ‘Unacceptable and counter-productive’ http://cyprus-mail.com/2016/05/24/unacceptable-counter-productive/

Hürriyet Daily News, 24.05.16: Anastasiades outburst jeopardizes Cyprus talks http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/anastasiades-outburst-jeopardizes-cyprus-talks.aspx?pageID=238&nID=99594&NewsCatID=351

Deutsche Welle, 24.05.16: Greek Cypriot president calls off talks after 'unacceptable actions' in Istanbul http://dw.com/p/1ItkK

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