UK says no formal talks to begin on Cyprus settlement

Britain on Thursday said talks on war-divided Cyprus would not yet proceed to formal negotiations due to a lack of common ground, although all sides agreed to meet again soon.

"No common ground yet to proceed to formal negotiations, but a welcome commitment by all sides to meet again in the near future," foreign minister Dominic Raab said on Twitter. "The UK will continue to work with all parties to seek a fair and lasting settlement."