In Cyprus, Annan's envoy says talks should aim for comprehensive settlement

The Secretary-General's Special Adviser on Cyprus told journalists at the island's Larnaca airport today that he had come to the region to hold consultations in furtherance of the Secretary-General's good offices mission.

In response to a number of questions, Alvaro de Soto stressed the need to resume talks and to begin negotiations in earnest. He said he would consider it progress "when negotiations are taking place between the leaders in order to put together a comprehensive settlement."

"We continue our preparations in order to be useful to the two sides," the Special Adviser noted, adding, "if I am here it is because we have reason to hope that it is possible to make progress."

Later, Mr. de Soto met separately with His Excellency Glafcos Clerides and with His Excellency Rauf Denktash.