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The Greek and Turkish Cypriot inter-communal conflict transcends the borders of the island Republic. Along with the constitutional deadlocks and enmity between the two Cypriot communities, the problem is heavily influenced by the involvement of a number of interested external parties. The Cyprus question remains a classic example of the interplay of national and international disputes. The peacemaking potential of the United Nations was seriously undermined by the attitudes and actions independently undertaken by the disputants and other interested external parties, and therefore explain to a large extent the inability and unwillingness of the Greek and Turkish Cypriots to reach a peaceful political settlement through inter-communal talks.