Cyprus: UN awaits reactions to Annan's proposals

The United Nations is waiting for reactions to Secretary-General Kofi Annan's proposal for Cyprus, a spokesman for the UN peacekeeping force on the island reported today.

In a statement released in Nicosia, the spokesman confirmed that yesterday, the Turkish Cypriot side told the UN that it would hand over reactions to the Secretary-General's 11 November proposal.

Since the Greek Cypriot side had indicated its willingness to provide the same once the Turkish Cypriot side was ready, simultaneous appointments were set up in New York and Nicosia, according to the statement. The Greek Cypriot side handed an envelope to the UN at that time on the understanding that the Turkish Cypriot side was doing the same in New York.

“Regrettably, the Turkish Cypriot side did not do so, explaining that for technical reasons handover would be delayed until midnight New York time,” the spokesman reported. Later, the UN was informed that delivery would only be made the following morning in New York, so the Greek Cypriot envelope was returned to the Greek Cypriot side, having been kept in confidence in the interval.

“The United Nations has protested to the Turkish Cypriot side, which has conveyed its apologies through the United Nations to the Greek Cypriot side,” the spokesman said. “Arrangements are being made for the receipt in appropriate and secure circumstances of the reactions of both sides today.”