Annan seeks cash for new Cyprus special advisor

U.N. SECRETARY-general Kofi Annan is gearing up to appoint a new special advisor for Cyprus, indicating that new talk on a settlement could become a reality next year.

Annan has made a request for $639,500 in the UN’s budget programme to cover the cost of a special advisor in 2007, depending on developments.

The move comes only a week after UN Undersecretary-general for Political Affairs Ibrahim Gambari sent a letter to the two sides urging movement on the planned technical committees with a view to resuming talks early next year.

In his report, Annan said the estimated amount would include salaries and common staff costs for the special adviser and his or her support staff, consultancy services on core issues that need to be addressed as part of the comprehensive settlement, official travel, communications and other supplies.

“Depending on the developments on the island, in 2007, the Secretary-general may decide to appoint a special adviser to carry out his good offices mission with a view to achieving a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem,” the report said.

If and when negotiations begin, following basic work in the technical committees, the aim would be to then agree on eight processes, Annan said.

These would include expert working groups, advisory services on procedural, legal and technical aspects of substantive issues, working papers and proposals serving as the basis for a comprehensive settlement and reports to and briefings of the Security Council.

“It is expected that the objective will be achieved, provided that there is political will and commitment on the part of both sides to reach a comprehensive solution, as well as continuing support from the international community,” said Annan.

Speaking in Geneva after a meeting with Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat on Monday, Annan said: “We want to see actions from both sides that close the gap between words and deeds.”

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