Peace talks between the leaders of ethnically split Cyprus were postponed on Thursday because of a dispute over comments by the Turkish Cypriot leader about the basis of negotiations, according to Reuters. The postponement, sought by Greek Cypriot leader Demetris Christofias, was the first hiccup in talks since the election of Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu, a nationalist, in April. Eroglu had questioned the basis of the U.N.-assisted process in public comments, Christofias said. "I thought today may produce a deadlock and a possible crisis so considered it best to avoid a meeting," Christofias, who is also the president of Cyprus, told reporters. Peace talks on the island resumed on May 26 after a two month hiatus for Turkish Cypriot elections. Thursday was to have been the second meeting between the two leaders. -- SPA
