Cyprus: Annan holds "good and very useful" meeting with Rauf Denktash

Secretary-General Kofi Annan today held a "very good and very useful meeting" with Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash, in Salzburg, Austria, as part of efforts for the resumption of talks on Cyprus, according to a statement released by a United Nations spokesman.

Mr. Annan has asked his Special Adviser on Cyprus, Alvaro de Soto, to travel to the island tomorrow for consultations with both Mr. Denktash and Greek Cypriot leader Glafcos Clerides, the statement said.

A number of sessions of proximity talks were held during 2000, but no talks have yet been held this year after Mr. Denktash asked the Secretary-General not to set a date for further talks.