SG/SM/9827
     19 April 2005

Secretary-General Notes Election Outcome in Northern Cyprus, Welcomes Renewed Evidence of Commitment to Peaceful Resolution

NEW YORK, 18 April (UN Headquarters) -- The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan:

The Secretary-General notes the outcome of the elections in Northern Cyprus held on 17 April.  He is glad that the leadership of the Turkish Cypriot community has been clarified and he welcomes the renewed evidence of commitment to a peaceful resolution of the Cyprus issue.  He congratulates Mehmet Ali Talat and, in the context of his mission of good offices, looks forward to working productively with him in the continuing search for peace on the island.

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