Cyprus set to stay split after failed unity talks

GREEK Cypriots poured scorn on the UN reunification plan for their island yesterday while Turkish Cypriots described the blueprint – which will go to parallel referendums next month – as a success.

After talks between officials on both sides of the Cypriot divide failed in Switzerland last night, UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan unveiled his own blueprint that bridges the remaining gaps and will be put to the vote on April 24.

Turkish Cypriots in the island’s north are expected to vote in favour of Annan’s plan, while the larger Greek Cypriot population in the south appears to be gearing towards a no vote.