CNA - UNITED NATIONS-USA - 10/5/2005 20:46
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2045:CYPPRESS:09
UN SG likely to send Prendergast to Cyprus, says UN spokeswoman
by Apostolis Zoupaniotis
United Nations, May 10 (CNA)-- UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan's Spokeswoman Marie Okabe said here today that Annan is likely to send UN Deputy Secretary General for political affairs Sir Kieran Prendergast for an exploratory mission to Cyprus.
''He is likely to do so, because several parties have indicated that they are interested in receiving an envoy,'' Okabe said replying to a question whether Annan will send an envoy to the region.
Asked if Annan intends to send Prendergast, the spokeswoman replied ''it is likely to be him.''
However, Okabe was not in a position to comment on whether the UN SG intends to appoint Prendergast as his permanent envoy for Cyprus.
During the press briefing, Okabe referred to the ''informal exchange'' of views between Annan and Cypriot President Tassos Papadopoulos during a luncheon hosted by Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin, as part of the 60th anniversary of the end of WWII in Europe, noting that the Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan was present during part of the discussions.
''Mr. Papadopoulos confirmed that he would be sending an envoy to UN headquarters soon for exploratory talks,'' Okabe noted, adding ''in light of that visit, the Secretary-General will decide on what further steps to take.''
CNA/AZ/GS/MM/2005
ENDS,CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY
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