G8 statement on Cyprus
Okinawa, 21 July 2000

We recall the declaration issued at our last meeting in Cologne calling for a resumption of comprehensive negotiations under the UN auspices on a Cyprus settlement. We commend the UN Secretary General for convening proximity talks between the parties to the Cyprus dispute to prepare the ground for meaningful negotiations leading to a comprehensive settlement. The failure of the two parties to resolve their differences and end the division of Cyprus remains a matter of serious concern to us. We call upon the parties to take the historic opportunity that now exists to intensify the negotiations in an effort to strike the compromises needed to reach a just and lasting settlement that protects the fundamental interests of both parties in an undivided Cyprus giving full consideration to relevant Security Council resolutions. We express the hope that decisive progress will be made in the current round and in the months ahead.

* * * * *

Back