ANKARA - United Nations (U.N.) Secretary General Kofi Annan said on Sunday that Cyprus was the question uppermost in his mind, stating that they had reached the high point in the effort under way to solve the Cyprus problem, and that this was the defining moment for Cyprus.
Annan, who held a news conference at Ankara's Esenboga Airport, said that there were many issues that were of common interest to Turkey and the United Nations, not least the Iraq crisis. But, he wished to highlight the fact that Turkey was his first stop on a tour that would take him to Greece and Cyprus.
Annan said it was a critical moment in the region and Turkey had a central role to play in tackling the issues that confronted them.
He said the European Union (EU) was due to meet for the signature of the Treaty of Accession of ten new members, including Cyprus on April 16, adding that he devoutly hoped that the Treeaty would be signed on behalf of a united Cyprus.
Stating that this was also the strong preference of the EU, Annan said Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots had to decide, in separate simultaneous referendums on March 30, to approve a comprehensive settlement and bring about a new state of affairs.
Annan said he wished to do all he could to encourage the leaders to muster the spirit of compromise, courage and leadership of which they were capable.
Annan pointed out that, the parties accepted to negotiate on the basis of the revised proposal that he put to them on December 10 last. He said it did not prove possible for the parties to come to an agreement before the Copenhagen European Council last December.
Pointing out that his Special Adviser Alvaro De Soto had carried out intensive consultations in Lefkosa, Ankara and Athens, Annan said, ''in light of what we have been hearing from the parties, we have been carefully examining whether and how it might be possible to improve the plan, while preserving the overall balance that it contains. The parties are aware of what we have in mind.''
Annan said the purpose of his visit was to discuss with the Turkish government, as he would do in Athens with the Greek government, ''how the two motherlands can rally in support of this last effort, and assist the parties in coming to terms.'' Annan said, ''the opportunity is open. It is clearly in the interest of all-Greek Cypriots, Turkish Cypriots, Greece and Turkey, to seize this opportunity now. There is little time. Let us take advantage of it.''
Asked if he came to Ankara with a third plan for Cyprus, Annan did not give a clear answer but said that he would discuss settlement of the issue with Turkish officials.
Replying another question, Annan said that he was still hopeful for a solution and that they could do it.
Asked about the role of the United States in solution of the issue, Annan said that there was no pressure on neither himself nor the U.N.
On contrary, he noted, there was great support from the United States and Europe to settle that issue.
Replying questions on Iraq, Annan said that United Nations Monitoring, Verification and Inspection Commission (UNMOVIC) Chairman Hans Blix's letter to Iraq was very clear.
Annan noted that Blix said in his letter that Iraq had to disarm and that he could not give any date for a second resolution regarding Iraq which the United States would brought onto the agenda of the U.N.
(AY-BRC) 23.02.2003