Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkey invaded the north in response to a military coup on the island that was backed by Athens. The Turkish Cypriot state is recognized only by Turkey.
Christofas was cited by the Cyprus Financial Mirror as saying the "two communities have not recorded the progress we hoped for...there is progress and convergences on various issues but on various important matters there are serious disagreements and differences."
"''I wish once again to stress that, irrespective of the course of the negotiations, the Greek Cypriot side will continue to attend them in good will, sincerity and reasonable positions. Faithful to principles, with determination and flexibility, we will continue to work in order to reach a mutually acceptable solution, without timeframes and arbitration,'' he said.
The Greek Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis said that both sides should reach an agreement on Cyprus without "the interference of third parties."
Greece along with Turkey and the U.K. signed an agreement granting Cyprus independence. Athens and Ankara support the idea of reunification talks.
