SC/8061
                                                                                                                 19 April 2004

                                                                                                                

Press Statement on Cyprus by Security Council President

NEW YORK, 16 April (UN Headquarters) -- Following is the press statement on Cyprus delivered by Security Council President Gunter Pleuger (Germany):

The members of the Security Council welcome the results of the preparatory International Donors Conference for Cyprus, held on 15 April 2004 in Brussels, to organize financial support to cover costs linked to a possible political settlement to the Cyprus question. The members of the Council recognize the commitments of the donors as a demonstration of their willingness to provide the necessary financial resources to implement the Secretary-General’s Comprehensive Settlement of the Cyprus Problem should the Cypriot votes approve the plan.

The members of the Council recall that it is now for the Cypriots to take a historic decision concerning their future in the April 24 referenda. Should the plan be approved, the members of the Council stand ready to take further actions as provided for in the plan, including by establishing a new United Nations operation in support of its swift and full implementation by all parties. The members of the Council would also be committed to helping ensure that the parties fully meet their commitments under the settlement.

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