Cyprus Talks Tensions Mount

Both sides refused to accept the timetable presented by UN Envoy Alvaro de Soto and asked the UN not to put pressure on them. The atmosphere of the talks grew especially tense after the Turkish side asked about Greek Cypriot plans to buy long-range missiles, to which Greek Cypriot leader Tassos Papadopoulos reportedly responded, “How can you ask this while you keep 25,000–30,000 Turkish soldiers on the island?” Papadopoulos left the negotiating hall before the other participants and without shaking hands.