Cypriot President less optimistic on outcome of peace negotiations

Cyprus's President Nicos Anastasiades reported further progress on Saturday in his peace negotiations with Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci, but sounded less optimistic than before on the prospects of concluding a deal to end the island's long standing division.

He said they discussed points of disagreement on the issue of governance and power sharing between Greek and Turkish Cypriots in a reunified state under a federal umbrella.

The two leaders have two further meetings on Monday and Wednesday to go in their scheduled meetings before they conclude an intensive brainstorming round of talks.

Anastasiades said on Wednesday they will proceed with future planning "in order to reach convergences in all pending issues."

Asked if he is optimistic about the outcome of the negotiations, Anastasiades said: "I am cautiously optimistic, since there are difficult issues that we need to overcome. If we do, I'll be very optimistic."

The Cypriot President sounded reserved on the prospects of concluding a deal soon after moves and statement by the Turkish side which he said were not in line with a genuine will for a solution. Enditem