DATE=2/15/2000
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=U-N-CYPRUS (L ONLY)
NUMBER=2-259185
BYLINE=BRECK ARDERY
DATELINE=UNITED NATIONS
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: The United Nations Security Council today
(Tuesday) issued an encouraging statement regarding
talks on the future of Cyprus. VOA Correspondent Breck
Ardery reports from the United Nations.
TEXT: In closed session, the Security Council heard a
briefing from the U-N Special Advisor on Cyprus Alvaro
de Soto. The second round of U-N sponsored "proximity
talks" ended recently in Geneva with Mr. de Soto
saying the process is "on track."
In the "proximity talks," Cypriot President Glafcos
Clerides and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash do
not meet face-to-face but hold separate and
confidential meetings with Mr. de Soto. The goal of
the talks is to lay the groundwork for eventual
negotiations between the two sides on ending the 25-
year old Greek-Turkish split in Cyprus.
After the Security Council briefing, Council President
Arnaldo Listre of Argentina read a statement re-
iterating the U-N position that the status quo in
Cyprus is unacceptable and expressing encouragement
for the talks.
///Listre act///
Council members commend the continuing
commitment shown by the parties to the talks
process, and welcomed the fact that the talks
have been conducted in a positive atmosphere
without preconditions. The Council encourages
all concerned to continue their efforts towards
a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus
question.
///end act///
Mr. Listre said the Security Council looks forward to
the third round of "proximity talks" which are now
scheduled to begin in New York on May 23rd.
Eventually, U-N officials hope to achieve an agreement
for the reunification of Cyprus with some autonomy for
the Greek and Turkish communities. However, Mr. de
Soto has conceded that the issues in the Cyprus
dispute are very complex and difficult which is why
the United Nations is using such a slow and deliberate
method to reach a hoped for agreement.(Signed)
NEB/UN/BA/LSF/PT
15-Feb-2000 15:19 PM EDT (15-Feb-2000 2019 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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