I am also in a game where I took over a CD nation to find squabbles about cheating. At least one of the remaining players is refusing to unpause and is holding out for a cancellation or equivalent.

The evidence for cheating (multi-accounting) is not in the logs I can read even though I took over from one of the so-called cheats. The moves show a very solid alliance throughout the game. One can certainly consider the alliance too good given the lack of communication, but that is not quite a demonstration.

I joined to stop the game falling apart and was unaware of the argument. It was a healthy position and the chance to try a few things. I am now stuck with the pause being used as a veto on resumption of the game.

I understand the concerns but do not see that:

a) the cheating was established;
b) this is a legitimate use of the pause function.

What would be the way forward here?

I have not named the game as I am considering this as a general case.

tell a mod to unpause it.

Flash - you can email one of us to investigate further. We may be able to confirm or deny cheating.

Tirpitz - If people are not willing to continue then you can always try to draw the game. I know that's not a desired solution for everyone who's put time and effort in already but it may be the best compromise.
You said that you were worried that one player had bailed on the game. Everyone has logged in within the past 24 hours so I'm not convinced of that yet.

All of that said, refusing to unpause a game simply as a tactic is not the intent of the feature and will be frowned upon at least by me and I'm guessing by the other moderators. I don't want to act rashly, but if no progress has been made in the next few days please let me know and I will take care of it for you.

Ok, well as a public service announcement, the power to pause is a meta-privilege. It should not be used as a bargaining chip nor have any basis on the game, it is suspension of the game for real life priorities that would interfere. Please don't abuse the power.