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United Nations

UN Official Seeks Clarification on Turkish Cypriot Leader's Refusal to Join Talks

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

UN Undersecretary General for Political Affairs Kieran Prendergast is seeking clarification from Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash on his refusal to join the four-way talks in Switzerland. The talks, which began on March 15, aim to reunify the island of Cyprus, which has been split since 1974. Prendergast noted that the two sides must reach an agreement by March 22, or else the talks will move on to the next stage in Switzerland. If no agreement is reached, Greece and Turkey will join the talks, and if necessary, UN Secretary General Kofi Annan will intervene to finalize a plan.

Key Takeaways:

  • The world body is seeking clarification from Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash on his refusal to join the four-way talks in Switzerland.
  • Prendergast emphasized that UN Secretary General Kofi Annan can finalize a plan on the basis of which the talks take place, but the more the two sides in Cyprus can agree on, the better.
  • The two sides must reach an agreement by March 22, or else the talks will move on to the next stage in Switzerland.
  • Greece and Turkey will join the talks if the two sides fail to reach an agreement, and if necessary, Annan will intervene to finalize a plan.
  • Cyprus has remained split since 1974, and reunification is a key priority for the international community, particularly as the island is set to join the European Union on May 1.
  • UN Undersecretary General for Political Affairs Kieran Prendergast arrived on the island on March 15 for a three-day visit to facilitate the talks.
  • The four-way talks involve the Greek Cypriot government, the Turkish Cypriot administration, Greece, and Turkey, and aim to achieve aprehensive settlement to the Cyprus conflict.

Statistics:

  • The talks aim to reunify the island of Cyprus, which has been split since 1974.
  • The UN is seeking clarification from Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash on his refusal to join the four-way talks in Switzerland.
  • The talks between Greek and Turkish Cypriots will continue until March 22.
  • If the talks fail, Greece and Turkey will join the talks, and if necessary, UN Secretary General Kofi Annan will intervene to finalize a plan.
  • May 1 is the date when Cyprus is set to join the European Union, a key incentive for the two sides to reach a settlement.

Sources:

  • Xinhua
  • WorldSources, Inc.

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