Prendergast says understands Cyprus positions better

Sir Kieran Prendergast, UN Under Secretary for political affairs, said that he has a better understanding of the positions of both sides following his visit to Cyprus the ended on Thursday.

“I am satisfied that I have a better understanding of the positions of both sides than I had when I arrived and I thank you for that,” he told reporters.

“The objective in coming was to do that and to listen to as broad a range of opinion as possible with the aim of achieving a better understanding of the views and needs of the parties.”

Speaking after a meeting with President Tassos Papadopoulos, he said it is up to the two sides to reach an agreement.

“One point I would like to emphasise is that essentially it is the two sides that who have to make a peace agreement, the UN can help, can facilitate, can encourage but in the end we have to have a settlement that is acceptable to both sides,” he said.

Asked if the resumption of talks is any closer now, Prendergast said that so far he has only concluded half of his visit to the region, adding that he tries to be realistic “rather than optimistic or pessimistic.’

Prendergast’s next visits are to Athens and Ankara after which he will report to the UN Secretary General.