Chances of Cyprus peace talks restart look dimmer as Turkish Cypriot leader sees no common ground

Chances of restarting formal talks to mend Cyprus' decades-long ethnic division appeared dimmer Wednesday as the leader of the breakaway Turkish Cypriots told a UN envoy that he saw no common ground with Greek Cypriots for a return to negotiations.

Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar said that he conveyed to the UN secretary general's personal envoy, María Ángela Holguín Cuéllar, that talks can't happen unless separate Turkish Cypriot sovereignty in the island's northern third first gains the same international recognition as the Republic of Cyprus in the Greek Cypriot south.

Tatar was quoted by Turkish Cypriot media as saying that a permanent Turkish military presence coupled with military intervention rights are prerequisites to any peace deal, despite Greek Cypriot attempts to "remove Turkey" from the settlement equation.

Tatar also expressed irritation with...