New York

18 April 2005

Statement attributable to the Spokesman for the Secretary-General on Cyprus

The Secretary-General notes the outcome of the elections in Northern Cyprus held on 17 April. He is glad that the leadership of the Turkish Cypriot community has been clarified and he welcomes the renewed evidence of commitment to a peaceful resolution of the Cyprus issue. He congratulates Mr. Mehmet Ali Talat and, in the context of his mission of good offices, looks forward to working productively with him in the continuing search for peace on the island.