Foreign Minister Erkki Tuomoja on the Cyprus negotiations

I fully support the determined mediation efforts of UN Secretary General Kofi Annan towards resolving the Cyprus problem and I hope that his comprehensive settlement proposal would offer the disputing parties a common ground for reaching a positive negotiation result. It would be vital to reach an agreement already in time for the EU summit in Copenhagen in December where the decision on the enlargement of the EU will be made.

Although it is too early to determine the final outcome of the proposal by the secretary general, the Cyprus problem may be closer to settlement than ever before since the invasion in 1974. This window of opportunity must not be closed. I hope that all negotiating parties would demonstrate willingness for compromise as well as genuine political will for reconciliation.