UN chief warns lack of compromise may derail Cyprus talks

A lack of compromise in ongoing Cyprus negotiations means the talks could fail before next year's elections in both Greek Cyprus and Turkey, warned UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in a new report on the divided island. "As we approach the end of the year 2010, expectations for a solution in Cyprus have not been met," he said. "The two leaders (on) Cyprus must inform their respective communities on the negotiations process." He added, "The success of the negotiations process will depend on simultaneous referendums to be held (on) Cyprus. I will present the UN Security Council with a new report on Cyprus in three months." Saying that the UN has been dealing with the Cyprus problem for nearly 50 years, Ban's report also reviewed the history of negotiations on the island, evaluating the present situation and offering advice to both sides.