Annan says his "good offices" mission in Cyprus will run at least through 2001

United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan has informed the Security Council that his "good offices" mission in the divided island of Cyprus will run at least throughout the current year.

"In furtherance of the mission entrusted to me, which includes consultations in the region as well as with various capitals as required, my Special Adviser on Cyprus, Alvaro de Soto, will continue to be assisted by a small team," Mr. Annan writes in a letter to the Council President released today at UN Headquarters in New York.

In the letter, the Secretary-General also underscores the importance of the continuing support from the members of the Council for his efforts in discharging his mission in Cyprus.

In a report to the Security Council on Cyprus released earlier this week, Mr. Annan said that although it has not been possible to resume proximity talks between the two sides in recent months, Mr. de Soto "is proceeding with preparations and consultations so as to be of assistance to the parties at the appropriate time."