FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

U.S. Embassy
December 20, 2002

U.S. Ambassador Klosson
Following a Meeting with President Clerides

I had a very good meeting with President Clerides this morning.  I congratulated him on the European Union Council’s decision last week regarding the accession of Cyprus, which is something the United States has long supported.  We also discussed the way forward toward a Cyprus solution.

The reasons for both sides to seek a comprehensive settlement remain as valid after Copenhagen as they were before. The United States strongly supports United Nations efforts to achieve a solution, and welcomes the December 18 statement by the president of the Security Council calling for intensifying the negotiations.

The UN’s revised December 10 settlement proposal remains the way forward.  It provides the basis for a negotiated agreement.  The United States believes agreement can be achieved between now and February 28.

It is thus important that all parties seize the unique opportunity which continues to exist to achieve a durable settlement, one which would enable Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots to benefit from Cyprus's accession to the European Union.  Both sides must work with the utmost urgency on the three areas requiring immediate attention identified by the Secretary General in his recent communication to the parties.