LEFKOSA (AA) - UN Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs Sir Kieran Prendergast arrived in Cyprus on Monday to hold meetings in Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) and southern Cyprus.
Prendergast stated that he visited island to listen to both sides and determine whether there is a common base to resume Cyprus talks.
Prendergast said that he will hold meetings in the island until June 2nd and then he will proceed to Athens and Ankara to hold consultations, adding that he will return to New York on June 7th and present a report to UN Secretary General Kofi Annan.
Noting that a progress can be recorded through efforts of sides in the island, Prendergast said that he was aware of the difficulties in recording a progress.
Prendergast said the UN respects to results of referendum in the island. ''I am here to take the pulse,'' he said, noting that Greek Cypriots have uneasiness about Annan plan and several developments and they also know that Turkish Cypriots have uneasiness about developments.
Prendergast will meet Greek Cypriot leader Tassos Papadopoulos on Tuesday, and TRNC President Mehmet Ali Talat on Wednesday and Thursday.
(GC-A֩
2005-05-30