'Significant progress' made in Cyprus talks, negotiations to resume on Nov 20: UN

Cyprus peace talks ended late on Nov. 11 in Switzerland without a final deal despite UN claims of "significant progress."

The high-level negotiations will resume in Geneva on Nov. 20.

Turkish Cypriot President Mustafa Akıncı and Greek Cypriot leader Nicos Anastasiades were engaged in sustained negotiations in Mont Pelerin since Nov. 7 under the auspices of the UN.

"During these past five days, the chapter on territory and all other issues were discussed interdependently. Significant progress has been achieved," UN said in a statement.

"Upon request of the Greek Cypriot leader, Anastasiades, it has been decided by the two leaders to take a recess and reconvene in Geneva on Sunday, 20 November 2016, to continue their deliberations from Mont Pelerin," the UN said.

On Nov. 9, Cyprus peace talks entered a critical stage, with a special focus on territorial adjustments -- a key issue hampering reunification.

If Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot sides had reached an agreement on territorial changes, negotiators were expected to announce a date for one last international summit to discuss final details of a peace deal.

That summit -- which would also be attended by Turkey, Greece and the United Kingdom -- would focus on the security and guarantees chapter, the last of the sticking points between the parties.

The talks in Mont Pelerin began on Nov. 7 with meetings between Akıncı, Anastasiades and Special Adviser to the United Nations Secretary-General on Cyprus Espen Barth Eide.

The first two days of negotiations concentrated on governance, property, economy and the EU, according to a diplomatic source who spoke on condition of anonymity.

The Swiss talks had been described as...