Secretary-General continues to meet with a wide range of leaders during Summit

Continuing to take advantage of the record attendance of heads of State and Government at the 2005 World Summit, United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan conferred with a number of leaders on the sidelines of the meeting today.

The UN's work in Cyprus was discussed during "constructive" talks with Cypriot President Tassos Papadopoulos, according to a read-out provided by Mr. Annan's spokesman.

"President Papadopoulos urged the Secretary-General to continue his good offices mission and to consider holding a new round of talks. Both agreed that for the next round of talks to resume, the timing must be appropriate and it must be well-prepared."

The Secretary-General also assured the President that his good offices remained available and that he would stay in touch with both parties.

The Summit Outcome topped the agenda during a 45-minute meeting between the Secretary-General and President Hugo Chavez of Venezuela, according to a read-out.

"The Secretary-General and Mr. Chavez reviewed the procedures used to arrive at the document, and potential points of difference Venezuela might have with the document and the procedures," the read-out said.

Mr. Chavez also elaborated on Venezuela's efforts to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), and the country's plan to provide oil for Caribbean nations.