SG/SM/8063
5 December 2001

SECRETARY-GENERAL PLEASED AT AGREEMENT TO START
DIRECT NEGOTIATIONS BY PARITES IN CYPRUS

NEW YORK, 4 December (UN Headquarters) -- The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for Secretary-General Kofi Annan:

The Secretary-General is very pleased at the agreement reached today by Mr. Clerides and Mr. Denktash to start direct negotiations in mid-January 2002, at his invitation.

In the exercise of his mission of good offices, the Secretary-General is ready to assist the parties as necessary in their effort to achieve a comprehensive settlement.

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