No quick fix to Cyprus talks

Expectations for a quick fix to the crisis in the Cyprus talks process appear to have come to a dead end. Turkey is reiterating that under no condition will it agree to abandon support for the equal partnership rights of the Turkish Cypriot people on - as well as off - the island, with the Greek Cypriots. Greek Cypriots are stressing that talks might become "feasible" only if Turkey removes its Barbaros seismological ship and the accompanying navy ships from the "Cypriot Exclusive Economic Zone."

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan was just the last and the highest Turkish official to reiterate that there will be no step back in Turkey's position.

"Turkey will never steer clear of recent developments in Cyprus. Our seismological research vessel is now continuing its activities. We will continue to be there as long as the Greek Cypriot administration and Greece continue to ignore our warnings on the issue," Erdoğan said, addressing the 60th anniversary reception of the Turkish Petroleum Corporation (TPAO).

Erdoğan's participation at the TPAO reception was regardless a sufficient expression of support for the national company's activities. His strong words, on the other hand, demonstrated the determination in Ankara not to waiver under duress - particularly amid pressure from the Americans and the British, who have been relentlessly working behind the scenes to get the talks back on track. Instead, Turkey has been following a policy of reasserting in every possible way the equal partnership rights of the Turkish Cypriot people on Cyprus.

But can anyone compromise while the strongest man in the country is so adamant? In the absence of President Nicos Anastasiades - who underwent a serious recent heart operation in New York and...