1.   As in years past, all sides proclaim support for the principle of open competition, while each jealously guards its turf.

2.   Both sides proclaimed themselves pleased with the hearing.

3.   Both sides proclaimed it a merger of equals.

4.   But with each side claiming to occupy the same border posts in a remote Amazon river valley, each side proclaimed itself the winner.

5.   So the impasse appears likely to continue, even as both sides proclaim their eagerness to resolve it.

6.   The island has been divided since then, and the Turkish Cypriot side has proclaimed a breakway state in the north which is recognized only by Ankara.