"Despite their best efforts, they have not been able to achieve the necessary further convergences on criteria for territorial adjustment that would have paved the way for the last phase of the talks. The two sides have decided to return to Cyprus and reflect on the way forward," the United Nations said in a statement on Monday.
Another round of talks was held earlier in November, with Anastasiades and Akinci discussing the issue of territorial adjustments in settling the island nation's dispute. The two leaders have been involved in the UN-led talks since May 2015.
Cyprus has been partitioned since 1974, when Turkey occupied the island's north, later proclaiming the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC). Turkey maintains military presence on TRNC territory.
