Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 02-07-26

Cyprus Press and Information Office: News Updates in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

From: The Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office Server at <http://www.pio.gov.cy/>

Friday, 26 July 2002

CONTENTS

• [01] Kasoulides returns from London and Thessalonica

[01] Kasoulides returns from London and Thessalonica

"While in London, I had the opportunity to meet with Lord David Hannay. During our meeting, I tried to find out how he views the situation, and how he foresees the direction of the Cyprus direct talks, in view of Mr Denktash's totally negative stance, and the insistence of the Turkish side on the existence of two states and two sovereignties, as well as the developments in Turkey, which seem to signal elections, thus further complicating the situation.

During my meeting with Lord Hannay, we did not discuss the core issues of the Cyprus problem. With the way the talks are developing, especially in relation to developments in Turkey, there seems to be no room to crystallize views of substance or suggestions, which could break the deadlock. We will have to wait and see how the political situation in Turkey develops."

Commenting on the fact that Mr Denktash invokes the summer heat as an excuse for a three-week recess of the talks, Mr Kasoulides stated:

"If Mr Denktash maintains the same position as he did in the last seven months, during the talks, whether talks are held or not, the result is the same. So, if the temperature makes him want to stop the talks, then nothing is going to change."

Asked to comment on the recent statements by EU Commissioner Gunter Verheugen, as well as messages from other decision-making centres, that around the end of the year the United Nations is expected to submit a comprehensive solution plan, and whether he was aware of this, the Foreign Minister replied:

"There was always a thought of submitting a plan, if circumstances allowed it, next Autumn. As things stand at the moment, and in view of developments in Turkey, the United Nations should reconsider whether it would be wise to submit such a plan, if the prospects of a serious discussion are remote."

From the Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office (PIO) Server at http://www.pio.gov.cy/

Cyprus Press and Information Office: News Updates in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article