Statements to the press upon his arrival in Larnaka (26.02.2003)

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• Statements to the press upon his arrival in Larnaka (26.02.2003)

“Ι’m delighted having arrived in Cyprus, at this decisive moment. When I came here in mid May, I sensed a deep longing to bring an end to the long-standing dispute that has torn this beautiful island apart, for decades.

This afternoon, I will be seeing Mr. Papadopoulos, the incoming Greek Cypriot leader, and Mr. Denktash, the Turkish Cypriot leader, before calling on Mr. Clerides who has played a distinguished part in public life here for more than forty years, and whose term in office will shortly come to an end. I expect to meet them together tomorrow morning.

Tomorrow I will also be meeting all the political leaders, both Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots.

The Greek Cypriots and the Turkish Cypriots were given a draft agreement on 11th November 2002. This was revised on the 10th of December, in the hope that they could agree to it before the Copenhagen European Council. That opportunity slipped away, unfortunately. This afternoon I will give them another revision which I hope to discuss with them tomorrow. Its contents should not come as a surprise to them. My Special Adviser Alvaro de Soto, whom you all know well, and his team have gone about the elements which we propose to change with all concerned in the past week or so. A preview of the proposed changes was given to them in writing this last Sunday.

I pray that the leaders in their wisdom will come to an agreement in the coming days. This will allow Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots to go to the polls on 30th of March in separate simultaneous referenda, so as to bring into being a new state of affairs in Cyprus. If this happens, on 16th of April the European Union Treaty of Accession will be signed on behalf of a reunited Cyprus.

I have come to Cyprus to tell you that the entire international community is hoping and praying that a Cyprus settlement, so long delayed, is at last at hand. I believe very strongly that the offer on the table is fair and balanced, and that a settlement would bring great benefits to both sides, to the motherlands, to the region and to the world. I hope Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots alike understand the urgency, of the task at hand. It is not an exaggeration to say that you have a rendez-vous with destiny.”