Ankara has rejected the proposal made by Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras to recommence talks regarding the Cypriot dispute, according to a report in Turkish daily Hurriet.

Diplomatic sources have informed the newspaper that the Turkish government is not willing to withdraw the Barbaros research vessel from the Cypriot EEZ – one of Mr. Tsipras’ conditions – and that Ankara will not change its stance.

According to the newspaper source, Ankara is standing by three positions, namely that a UN solution is promoted; that the natural sources belong to the united Cyprus and that a committee be formed to manage any income derived from natural resources.

Greece and Cyprus consider these positions unacceptable and stress the need for Turkey to end its provocations and respect the sovereignty of Cyprus by withdrawing its vessel from the EEZ, so that talks can recommence.

Furthermore, To Vima has been informed that the Minister of National Defense Panos Kammenos is planning on visiting Cyprus next week.