Statement after the Meeting of the Secretary General with Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan in Davos

24 January, 2004

The Secretary-General was encouraged by the constructive exchange he had today with the Prime Minister of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, on the subject of Cyprus, in which the Prime Minister indicated his government's strong desire for the Turkish Cypriots to resume talks with the Greek Cypriots with a view to resolving outstanding issues by 1 May.

The Secretary-General told the Prime Minister he would study his position carefully. He also indicated that his good offices were still open if the parties were to demonstrate the will to conclude, with UN assistance, an agreement, including the holding of referenda, by 1 May.

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