LEFKOSA - Laura Kennedy, the U.S. State Department Assistant Secretary for European and Eurasian Affairs, said on Friday that the United States were disappointed with the result of April 24th simultaneous referenda held in Cyprus.
According to a report of the Greek Cypriot radio, Kennedy met Greek Cypriot leader Tassos Papadopoulos.
After the meeting, Kennedy told reporters that ''she was not visiting the south of Cyprus to table a new initiative aiming to resume negotiations between the two parties, to find a solution to Cyprus problem.''
Kennedy expressed disappointment over the rejection by the Greek Cypriot side of the (United Nations SG) Annan's plan for a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus issue , and said that she wanted to learn Papadopoulos' views on this matter.
Laura Kennedy also met Greek Cypriot parliament speaker and AKEL secretary general Demetris Christofias. After the meeting, Christofias said that he was telling Kennedy that ''Annan plan could not be put to referendum again in its current form'', and that ''the Greek Cypriot side would ask for new amendments to the plan.''
Kennedy, in her part, confirmed that the United States would continue its efforts to solve Cyprus issue.
-KENNEDY'S MEETINGS IN TRNC-
Following her meetings in the Greek Cypriot part of the island, Ms. Kennedy proceeded to Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), and had lunch with Mustafa Akinci, the leader of Peace and Democracy Movement (BDH).
Michael Klosson, the U.S. Ambassador to the Greek Cyprus, and Ann Hall, Cyprus Desk Chief, were also present at the luncheon. No statement was made after the meeting.
Kennedy will also meet Serdar Denktas, Democrat Party (DP) leader, TRNC Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister, later in the day.
Laura Kennedy will meet TRNC Prime Minister Mehmet Ali Talat at lunch tomorrow (Saturday).
(BRC-ULG) 23.07.2004