February 13, 2004
Good morning, ladies and gentlemen, or good evening to those of you watching in Cyprus.
Indeed, I believe it is a very good evening for Cyprus.
We have not yet solved the problem, but I really believe that, after forty years, a political settlement is at last in reach, provided both sides summon the necessary political will.
In a moment, I will read you a statement which has been agreed with both parties, and with the governments of Greece and Turkey.
But first let me congratulate both leaders, Mr. Papadopoulos and Mr. Denktash, on the courage and political will they have both shown in the last three days, which has allowed me to take the decision to resume negotiations next week. And let me also thank the governments of Greece and Turkey for the very constructive role they have both played.
A lot of hard work is still needed, and there are still tough
questions ahead. But if all concerned show the same courage and goodwill during the next three months that they have shown in the last three days, I believe there is now a real chance that, before the first of May, Cyprus will be reunited.
Now let me read the statement.
Negotiations resumed on 10 February at United Nations
Headquarters in New York between the two parties in Cyprus, in my
presence.
Following three days of meetings and consultations, I am pleased to announce that the parties have committed to negotiating in good faith on the basis of my plan to achieve a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem through separate and simultaneous referenda before 1 May 2004.
To this end, the parties will seek to agree on changes and to complete the plan in all respects by 22 March 2004, within the framework of my mission of good offices, so as to produce a finalized text.
In the absence of such agreement, I would convene a meeting of the two sides, with the participation of Greece and Turkey in order to lend their collaboration, in a concentrated effort to agree on a finalized text by 29 March.
As a final resort, in the event of a continuing and persistent deadlock, the parties have invited me to use my discretion to finalize the text to be submitted to referenda on the basis of my plan.
In addition, the parties have agreed on the other suggestions contained in my invitation of 4 February 2004. They have also decided to form a technical committee on economic and financial aspects of implementation, to be chaired by the United Nations.
The guarantor powers have signified their commitment to this
process and to meeting their obligations under it.
I welcome these commitments as well as the assurances of the
European Union to accommodate a settlement and the offer of technical
assistance by the European Commission. I look forward to drawing on this assistance as well as that of others in the course of the negotiations.
The talks will re-convene in Cyprus on Thursday, 19 February, with direct meetings between the two parties in the presence of my Special Adviser, Alvaro de Soto. The technical committees on laws and treaties will re-convene on the same day.
I commend the constructive spirit and political will displayed by both parties, as well as by Greece and Turkey, to reach this agreement.
All concerned now face historic responsibilities to bring about a just and lasting peace in Cyprus. I wish them well, and look forward to working closely with them.
Efharisto! Tesekkurler! Thank you very much!
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