UN official concludes preliminary talks on Cyprus, heads to region at month's end

The top United Nations political affairs official today wrapped up a series of preliminary talks with a senior Cypriot envoy on the Cyprus issue, ahead of an expected visit to the region at the end of the month.

A UN spokesman in New York said Kieran Prendergast, the Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs, and Tasos Tzionis, envoy of Greek Cypriot leader Tassos Papadopoulos, concluded today a series of preliminary, informal and non-binding discussions on the Cyprus issue.

"During these meetings, the Greek Cypriot delegation explained in detail their views on both procedure and substance," said Stephane Dujarric.

"Following these consultations, the Secretary-General has asked Sir Kieran to visit the region to listen to the views of all parties on the future of the Secretary-General's mission of good offices on Cyprus," he added.

Sir Kieran is scheduled to arrive in Cyprus late on 30 May, and he will meet Mr. Papadopoulos and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat, as well as political leaders on both sides. He is expected to stay on the island until 2 June, after which he will travel to Athens and Ankara for consultations before returning to New York on 7 June report to Secretary-General Kofi Annan.