Cyprus: opportunity missed, but parties willing to continue negotiations, UN reports

Following recent intensive consultations on Cyprus by the Secretary-General's Special Adviser, Alvaro de Soto, the United Nations today reported that although it has not proved possible to achieve a comprehensive settlement, the parties' positions have never been closer and agreement seemed possible up until the last minute.

Secretary-General Kofi Annan's revised proposal of 10 December remains on the table, UN spokesman Fred Eckhard reported. "Whilst it is regrettable that the current opportunity has been missed, both sides have expressed their willingness to continue negotiations."

"It is very important that the unprecedented progress that has been made should be consolidated, and that all concerned re-double their efforts to achieve a settlement in the coming period," he said. "An opportunity remains, particularly until 28 February, to resolve this problem and achieve a comprehensive settlement which would allow a reunited Cyprus to accede to the European Union."

Mr. de Soto is travelling to New York tomorrow to report to the Secretary-General.