Ioannis Kasoulides has today hinted that the Greek Cypriot government will accept the UN peace plan as a basis for further negotiations, however the Minister of External Affairs appealed to “avoid public discussions over negotiations”.

Mr. Kasoulides pointed out that government’s main aim is to negotiate the suggested peace plan with honour and honesty for the protection of Cyprus interests. “If it is to negotiate the UN peace plan, we will do it with honour and honesty to protect the interest of our country”, the Minister said.

Mr. Kasoulides also stressed that Cyprus is the one who will decide over the acceptance of the UN plan, while Greece is to back up Cyprus’ decision.

“It is necessary that Cyprus citizens are well informed, but we have to ensure that no discussions are to take place publicly, because this will restrict our negotiating power ”.

“We have to familiarize ourselves with the six-member presidential council. This model is not the rotating presidency we always knew, but something else”, the Minister said.

On the question whether Cyprus President, Glafkos Klerides is to reply to Mr. Annan by Monday, Mr. Kasoulides reported that the President has decided to give an answer any day by next week. It seems that the Turkish Cypriot leader, Rauf Denktash will not give an answer on Monday either, as he needs more time to examine the document.

Finally, Mr. Kasoulides said that the government will be ready to give an answer, after Mr. Klerides’ visit to Athens for talks with the Greek Prime Minister, Costas Simitis, while the Cabinet will further convene to examine all the issues that will arise.