De Soto: Annan Does Not Think Of Launching A New Initiative In Near Future

ANKARA - U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan's Special Envoy to Cyprus Alvaro De Soto has said that the Secretary General was not thinking of starting a new initiative for solution in the island.
Speaking on NTV television channel on Thursday, De Soto said he was disappointed with result of the referendum in southern Cyprus, adding that assessments regarding the process would take place in Annan's report impartially.
Noting that he was in favor of lifting of embargoes on the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), De Soto said recognition of the TRNC would divide the island.
Asked whether second referendum was on the agenda, De Soto said that there was no need for second referendum in the Turkish Cypriot side which showed it was in favor of unification by voting yes and half of the way had been covered as the Turkish Cypriot side voted ''yes''.
Noting that Greek Cypriots could hold second referendum in south of the island if they wanted, De Soto added that a new referendum depended on Greek Cypriots' own decision.
De Soto, who attended the Cyprus negotiation process as observer, has been paying farewell visits in Ankara after TRNC.
(MS-AY) 29.04.2004