Statement by Deputy Press Secretary Popadiuk on the Cyprus Conflict

The President welcomes U.N. Secretary-General Perez de Cuellar's statement of September 5 regarding prospects for a high-level meeting this month on the Cyprus issue. He strongly endorses the Secretary-General's aim to hold such a meeting to resolve what has been a most difficult and stubborn problem between good friends of the United States. These are times of momentous change and also times of great opportunity. In this spirit, the Secretary-General's announcement reflects the fact that all of the parties involved realize that a lasting settlement may be within their grasp. Difficult issues remain. The President encourages all of the parties to continue the hard work and statesmanship that have brought them this far so that the remaining obstacles can be overcome. The United States remains in close contact with all the parties and is prepared to assist the Secretary-General in whatever way he sees fit to help ensure the success of this endeavor.