There will be no reunification solution without the return of Morphou town, said Deputy Government Spokesman Victor Papadopoulos, citing President Nicos Anastasiades’ negotiating position.

Morphou is in the Turkish-occupied areas in the northwest of the island and the home to 18,000 Turkish Cypriots.

Before the invasion in 1974, the population was mostly Greek Cypriots, but they became refugees during the war.

The history of the town is painful; it was the scene of inter-communal fighting in 1964, in which the majority of the Turkish Cypriots left under the threat of violence.

The town has considerable cultural value; it was established by Spartans and hosts the annual Orange Festival.

Most recently, Turkish President Reccep Tayyip Erdogan said Morphou would never be returned to the Greek-Cypriot’s control.

Looking forward, like Famagusta, Morphou is bound to be one of the most difficult parts of the reunification negotiations. President Anastasiades said he will bring it up at the negotiating table when the issue of territory is discussed.

The chapter on territory is scheduled to be discussed in the final stages of the negotiations.

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