Secretary-General's press encounter following statement to the Security Council (unofficial transcript)

SG: I think Mr. Blix himself spoke to the press yesterday and I think he has the right attitude that, yes, he has had his discussions, he has got his men ready, but as the [Security] Council is discussing further guidance, it would be appropriate for him to know that further guidance before he resumes, and I hope that will be forthcoming shortly.

Q: Mr. Secretary-General, what about the Cyprus issue? You had a talk yesterday with President Clerides and Rauf Denktash, what is your assumption?

SG: Well, the talks aren't over yet. They are meeting this morning and I will be meeting again with them this afternoon. We are pursuing our efforts and we are going to work very hard in the search for a solution.

Q: Do you think Mr. Denktash's illness will create a problem for the talks, Sir?

SG: Well, I wish Mr. Denktash good health and I think he has good doctors and I am sure he is going to be fine. We should be able to continue our work once he has dealt with his medical problem.

Q: Is it eight weeks that he is going to stay…?

SG: I have no idea how long he is going to be out of commission, but I think it is going to be considerably shorter than the eight weeks that you refer to. I don't know where you got that from.

Q: What about yesterday's statement, Mr. Secretary-General, that if the European Union, if Cyprus [joined] the European Union, then the talks will end and Cyprus will be divided once and forever?

SG: We will jump that hurdle when we get there.