DATE=7/12/2000
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=U-N / CYRPUS TALKS (L-O)
NUMBER=2-264358
BYLINE=LISA SCHLEIN
DATELINE=GENEVA
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: U-N-mediated peace talks on the future of
Cyprus have broken off with no progress reported on
reuniting the divided Mediterranean island. Lisa
Schlein in Geneva reports the talks will resume July
24th.
TEXT: U-N mediator Alvaro de Soto says he cautioned
the Greek-Cypriot and Turkish-Cypriot delegations not
to say or do anything to jeopardize the negotiations
during the 12-day suspension. He says he told them
that while they are away from Geneva, they should
maintain the news blackout imposed on the talks.
/// DE SOTO ACT ONE ///
The (U-N) Secretary-General expects this
moratorium to continue uninterruptedly over the
next few months. That of course includes the
forthcoming break. So that is one point that is
very important if this process is to be
maintained on an even keel.
/// END ACT ///
The latest talks - which started one week ago - have
been characterized by acrimonious bickering and tit-
for-tat accusations by the opposing camps.
Turkish-Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash accused Greece of
what he called unacceptable interference. He was
reacting to statements earlier in the week by Greek
ministers who criticized a leaked paper submitted by
Turkish-Cypriots to the U-N mediator. The Greek
ministers said the Turkish-Cypriot proposals would
continue the division of the island.
Cyprus has been split since 1974 when Turkey invaded
the island to end a Greek-backed coup. There have
been many attempts since then to reunite the island,
but all have failed.
The Greek-Cypriot and Turkish-Cypriot leaders are
returning home for consultations. But, Mr. Denktash
also is going back to participate in ceremonies
commemorating the 1974 Turkish invasion.
U-N mediator De Soto says he asked the leaders to be
careful in what they say while at home.
/// DE SOTO ACT TWO ///
I have just spoken to them about some ideas,
asking them to reflect on them during the break
and to give me their reactions when they return
on the 24th of July.
/// END ACT ///
Mr. de Soto denies media reports that he has submitted
proposals to the Greek-Cypriot and Turkish-Cypriot
leaders aimed at breaking the deadlock. He says he
gave them only an oral report about how he saw things
unfolding, and hoped they would do nothing to
negatively affect the talks. (SIGNED)
NEB/LS/JWH/AMAHL/RAE
12-Jul-2000 13:12 PM EDT (12-Jul-2000 1712 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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