Statements to the press upon his arrival in Athens (25.02.2003)

• Home
»
• Cyprus Problem – Documents
»
• UN Documents
»
• Statements/Reports by the Secretary-General
»
• Statements to the press upon his arrival in Athens (25.02.2003)

“I wish to express my great satisfaction at paying my first visit to Greece as Secretary-General. I am looking forward to my discussions today and tomorrow with Greek officials, including the President and Prime Minister. Greece is an important actor on the international scene. Its role has further increased since it took over the Presidency of the European Union.

In my frequent contacts with Foreign Minister George Papandreou, we discuss a wide range of issues. A great deal of attention seems to be riveted these days on the Iraq crisis. But my paramount interest this week, as I visit Turkey, Greece and Cyprus, is the Cyprus problem. There is an extraordinary opportunity at hand to solve it, and I wish to make every effort in my power to see that the opportunity is not missed. Let me mention briefly why the matter is so urgent.

The Treaty of Accession providing for the enlargement of the European Union by ten members, including Cyprus, is to be signed on 16 April this year. It is the strong preference of the EU, shared by the Security Council, that the Treaty should be signed on behalf of a re-united Cyprus. But for this to happen, that re-united Cyprus must be in place, and it must come about by decisions of the Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots, through separate, simultaneous referenda, to be held no later than 30 March. Prior to that, a large amount of technical work must be completed and the referenda must be prepared. If this opportunity is missed, it is not clear whether another will occur any time soon.

It is therefore easy to understand that decision time has arrived, and why the parties should adhere to the goal of reaching agreement on 28 February. Perhaps that goal can slip a few days, but to go much beyond 28 February would probably doom the prospect of a re-united Cyprus signing the Treaty of Accession. Postponing agreement beyond early March would amount to saying no to EU accession by a united Cyprus.
Since 11 November, the parties have had before them a draft for a comprehensive settlement. This draft was revised on 10 December. Following intensive consultations, which have included Mr. Papadopoulos since his election on 16 February, I provided all concerned, this past Sunday, with a preview of the elements of what I hope is the final revision of the draft. I will shortly hand it to them on the island.

The revisions I have in mind will not come as a surprise to the parties. They are the culmination of the most intensive process of negotiations that has ever occurred on the Cyprus problem. This decisive phase of the process, with its ups and downs, began in 1999, and it is now coming to its conclusion. My revised plan represents a best effort by the United Nations to help the parties reach an agreement. The rest is up to them, to Greece and Turkey, and ultimately, to the people on both sides.

I was encouraged and heartened by my talks in Turkey. My purpose here, as in Turkey, is to discuss with the Greek government how they can assist in this final effort so that the parties in Cyprus can come to terms. I will travel tomorrow to Cyprus.”