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Latest round of proximity talks on Cyprus ends in New York
26 September -- The latest round of proximity talks on Cyprus ended today at United Nations Headquarters in New York with the lead UN mediator describing the meetings as "a qualitative step forward" but warning against expectations of an imminent peace agreement.

"The two sides have engaged in the substance in a way that they had not done before," Alvaro de Soto, Secretary-General Kofi Annan's Special Adviser on Cyprus, told a press conference after the Secretary-General held consecutive wrap-up sessions with the two leaders, Glafkos Clerides and Rauf Denktash.

"To that extent, we are encouraged," Mr. de Soto said, but hastened to add that this should not be interpreted as a premature "peace-is-at-hand" statement. "We are not unfurling banners, lighting fireworks, blowing trumpets or breaking out champagne."

The Special Adviser emphasized the need to take a long-term view of the issue, pointing out that "there is still a long way to go." He noted that it was difficult to measure progress in the proximity format. "Progress is more likely to be incremental, rather than in leaps and bounds, at least for the present," he said. "But the process has moved to a new level on which we hope to build in the coming months."

At the same time, Mr. de Soto noted that there was noticeable nervousness in some quarters, which he attributed to transgressions of the news blackout, as well as the fact that "we are beginning to break new ground, and this has to do in turn with the fact that what we are aiming at is not a new framework -- a retread of the set of ideas -- but rather a comprehensive settlement."

As for upcoming meetings, Mr. de Soto said that the Secretary-General had invited the two leaders to hold the next round of proximity talks from 1 to 10 November in Geneva, where Mr. Annan will be visiting at that time. Meanwhile, Mr. de Soto was planning to conduct consultations in Cyprus, as well as in Ankara, Athens, and possibly other European capitals.