SG/SM/8520
25 November 2002

SECRETARY-GENERAL SEEKS EARLY PROGRESS
ON CYPRUS PROBLEM

Steps Discussed for Intensive Efforts by Parties "in Next Week or So"

NEW YORK, 22 November (UN Headquarters) -- This is the text of a statement today by the Spokesman for Secretary-General Kofi Annan:

The Secretary-General met today in The Hague, the Netherlands, with his Special Adviser on Cyprus, Alvaro de Soto, to take stock of efforts to solve the Cyprus problem.

The Secretary-General is encouraged by the generally positive reaction to his plan that is emerging, and wants to press ahead with the parties in accordance with the calendar, which is part and parcel of the plan and which is designed to take advantage of the opportunity that is available now.

They discussed steps for engaging the parties intensively in the next week or so. The Secretary-General looks forward to receiving their substantive reactions with a view to moving ahead in earnest.

The Secretary-General will also remain in contact with the Prime Ministers of Greece and Turkey on the matter, and his Special Adviser will return to the region to continue his consultations.

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