Press encounter upon arrival at UNHQ, (unofficial transcript)

SG: Well I think we had a very constructive and useful discussion with the two leaders. As you know, I saw them separately, and then we met together. I urged them to really intensify their efforts and try and reach the end of June deadline that they set themselves. Then I encouraged them to try and at least resolve all the major, all the core issues so that we can begin doing some legal drafting after that.

One of them, Mr. Clerides, thought it was possible. Mr. Denktash felt he needed a little bit more time. But of course, we will have to reassess the situation end of June to see how much progress has been made.

You also know that Alvaro de Soto came to see me in Rome a few days ago, to also share with me his own assessment of what progress is being made. So we're keeping our fingers crossed and we're going to work with the two leaders.

Q: What is the stumbling block of these two parties coming together and to meeting your deadline?

SG: I think actually it is a deadline they set themselves. And I must say, in the last couple of weeks, they've made good progress on one of the core issues. And I hope they will move ahead and make similar progress on the other core issues. What struck me when I was on the Island, was how much people would want to see this issue resolved on both sides. It was funny. I had gone to encourage the leaders to make a genuine effort, but the people were encouraging me to stick with it and push for peace, which was also a good signal that the people want it, and I hope the leaders will deliver.

Q: Can you tell one major block preventing these parties from coming together?

SG: I think one of the main issues has been the question of recognition - recognition for the Turkish Cypriot state, which we believe that is part of the discussions, and one would only know the outcome at the end of the discussions. But Mr. Denktash would want that recognition status clarified as soon as possible. That is one. But I think we should be able to work around that.

Q: On that matter, do you have some sort of proposal or thinking loudly ...?

SG: We did give them some suggestions. We did give them some suggestions as to how they can proceed and make progress without letting this issue be a stumbling block. And I believe they were sensitive to the suggestions I made.

Q: When, realistically, are you expecting a breakthrough?

SG: Well, I still would hope that they would make considerable progress by end of June. I will reassess the situation at that point and then perhaps I'll be able to answer your question.

Q: Thank you very much. *****