28 February 2003
U.S. Supports Annan's Revised Plan for Cyprus Settlement
(Encouraged by meeting in The Hague set for March 10) (410)
State Department Spokesman Richard Boucher said February 28 that the
United States supports U.N. Secretary General Annan's revised proposal
for a comprehensive Cyprus settlement and is encouraged that the
leaders of the two communities on the island will meet with Annan in
The Hague on March 10.
At that meeting, Annan wants the leaders to tell him whether or not
they will put his proposal to referenda in their communities March 30
for approval.
"Putting the UN plan to referenda is the most democratic and
constructive way to determine the future of the people of Cyprus,"
Boucher said.
He added, "Cypriots should have a chance to say 'yes' to their future
together and in Europe. This is an opportunity which may not come
again."
Following is Boucher's statement:
(begin text)
U.S. Department of State
Richard Boucher, Spokesman
Washington, DC
February 28, 2003
U.S. SUPPORT FOR U.N. SECRETARY-GENERAL ANNAN'S EFFORTS ON CYPRUS
The United States has long supported the dedicated efforts of United
Nations Secretary-General Annan to find a solution to the longstanding
division of Cyprus, a solution which, as demonstrations in northern
Nicosia yesterday made clear, so many Cypriots fervently desire. For
this reason, we are encouraged that the leaders of the two communities
on the island have accepted the Secretary-General's invitation to meet
with him in The Hague on March 10.
Secretary-General Annan asked the leaders today to come to their
crucial meeting in The Hague prepared to tell him whether or not they
will put his revised proposal for a comprehensive Cyprus settlement to
referenda in their communities March 30 for approval. He also asked
the leaders to complete all necessary internal consultations and
processes beforehand so that their responses are definitive.
The United States strongly supports this initiative by the Secretary
General and believes that the United Nations' revised settlement plan
represents a just, viable and durable solution to the division of
Cyprus. Putting the UN plan to referenda is the most democratic and
constructive way to determine the future of the people of Cyprus. It
is exceptionally important that the extraordinary work of the
Secretary-General succeed and that his comprehensive settlement plan
be put to the people.
Cypriots should have a chance to say "yes" to their future together
and in Europe. This is an opportunity which may not come again.
(end text)
(Distributed by the Office of International Information Programs, U.S.
Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)
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