The following article appeared in the Cyprus Weekly of Nicosia on 06 October 2000, written by Andreas Hadjipapas.

"WHY, MR ANNAN?

NEWSPAPERS called it a stab in the back from the UN Secretary-General.

Politicians said Kofi Annan's statement was the most dramatic and negative development for the Greek Cypriots so far this year.

The talks could remain in abeyance or be put on ice for months and years to come.

In trying to placate Denktash or induce him to negotiate seriously, the UN alienated the Greek Cypriot side, thinking they are so weak, or desperately seeking a settlement, they could not afford to walk out. 

As Reuter reported from New York, Annan appeared to be bowing or bending toward Denktash's view that Clerides cannot speak for the Turkish Cypriots.

One understands the eagerness of the Secretary-General to get things off the ground, and to "move ahead."

Kofi Annan stated that negotiations should be conducted "in good faith and without preconditions." But he proceeded to contradict himself, by setting a unilateral precondition - that the equal status of the "parties" should be "recognised explicitly" and be incorporated in the final settlement. He gave his own "concept" of a solution. 

In outlining such a concept, why did he avoid any reference to the Security Council decisions on Cyprus? He stubbornly sidestepped any mention of the "two communities" that for years has been common language in UN resolutions. 

He said nothing about an independent Federal Cyprus with a single sovereignty, without foreign troops, that his own organisation has so often endorsed.

Why is he afraid to speak about and defend his own organisation? What is he trying to do? 

In my view, there are two courses open for the Greek Cypriot side. Either they stick to the UN resolutions and refuse to negotiate anything outside that framework, which would mean dragging their feet in future talks.

Or President Clerides should decide to step down, registering in this way his strong protest and explaining his position.

Then it would be for the new President to decide about future moves."