Press encounter after meeting with UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, (unofficial transcript)
Press events | Kofi Annan, Former Secretary-General
Q: Did you [unintelligible] send invitations to the two sides in Cyprus for talks and how is it possible to overcome the difficulty of Mr.Denktash insisting on recognition?
SG: We are working on that. I haven't fixed a date yet for the next meeting, but my Special Representative, Mr. de Soto, is working out the problem, and I hope in the not too distant future we should be able to move on.
Q: Did you discuss Iraq?
SG: Yes, we did discuss Iraq. We did discuss the new resolution that the Council is reviewing in New York. And having come back from the Middle East myself, just a few days ago, I also discussed with the Prime Minister the mood in the region and the attitude of the leaders in that region towards the sanctions against Iraq.
Q: What chance do you think the British proposals for the new sanctions regime have of being passed in the Security Council?
SG: It's being discussed very actively in New York, in the United Nations. Some delegations, particularly the Russians, have some questions. The deadline for the next phase is the third of July. Whether this will be concluded before then or not, is difficult for me to say. Besides, I've been out of New York for a while.
Q: If it's not adopted by that deadline, will it be dropped altogether?
SG: I don't think so. I think they will persevere and of course the assistance to the Iraq people is essential, and so they will find a way out.
Q: Is Cyprus on your agenda with the Foreign Secretary, and is there any hope for new negotiation?
SG: Yes, I hope to discuss it with the Foreign Secretary, but as far as the new negotiations are concerned I'm not in a position to give you a date. And as I indicated, Mr de Soto, my Special Representative, is exploring this with the parties and others concerned, and I have indicated that I hope that between now and the end of the year we may be able to get the parties back to the table.