- Security Council members today heard a briefing by the Secretary-General's Special Adviser for Cyprus, Alvaro de Soto.

- This is a matter which the Security Council continues to follow with the closest of interest. The Council has stated repeatedly that the status quo in Cyprus is unacceptable.

- In June, the Council requested the Secretary-General, in accordance with the relevant Security Council resolutions, to invite the leaders of the two sides to negotiations this autumn.

- Council members welcomed, therefore, the agreement of the parties to start proximity talks in New York on 3 December in order to prepare the ground for meaningful negotiations leading to a comprehensive settlement.

- They expressed the hope that all concerned would participate in the talks without preconditions and in a constructive spirit. They commended the efforts of the Secretary-General, his Special Representative and Special Adviser to facilitate the talks and conveyed to them the Council's full support.

- They looked forward to a further briefing from Mr. de Soto on the progress of the talks soon after these had concluded.

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