Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 00-09-13

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From: The Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office Server at <http://www.pio.gov.cy/>

Wednesday, 13 September 2000

CONTENTS

• [01] New round of talks begin in New York
• [02] The European Union considers the status quo in Cyprus as unacceptable

[01] New round of talks begin in New York

At the meetings he had with President Clerides and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash, the UN Secretary General read out to them the following statement:

"The Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot parties have been participating, since December 1999, in proximity talks to prepare the ground for meaningful negotiations leading to a comprehensive settlement. I believe the time has now come to move ahead.

In the course of these talks I have ascertained that the parties share a common desire to bring about, through negotiations in which each represents its side - and no-one else - as the political equal of the other, a comprehensive settlement enshrining a new partnership on which to build a better future in peace, security and prosperity on a united island.

In this spirit, and with the purpose of expediting negotiations in good faith and without preconditions on all issues before them, I have concluded that the equal status of the parties must and should be recognised explicitly in the comprehensive settlement which will embody the results of the detailed negotiations required to translate this concept into clear and practical provisions".

Speaking at a press conference after the meetings, Mr de Soto said that he would be presiding over the talks in the following days. He added that that the UN Secretary General intends to take a more active role in the current round of talks, by joining them at appropriate times.

[02] The European Union considers the status quo in Cyprus as unacceptable

Addressing yesterday's session of the UN General Assembly, Mr Vedrine, whose country currently presides over the European Union, said "the European Union considers that the status quo in Cyprus is unacceptable and supports the efforts of the UN Secretary General to reach a negotiated comprehensive, fair and lasting settlement, consistent with the relevant Security Council resolutions".

The European Union reiterates "its commitment to stability and prosperity throughout the Mediterranean region" and "invites the parties concerned, to enter into substantive talks", he added.

From the Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office (PIO) Server at http://www.pio.gov.cy/

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