The United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan, who arrived in Cyprus on May 14, to contribute to the ongoing direct talks process, yesterday departed from the island.

Within the framework of his contacts during his stay on the island, Kofi Annan had separate meetings with TRNC President Rauf Denktaþ and the leader of the Greek Cypriot administration Glafcos Clerides. Annan also arranged a special meeting between President Denktaþ and Glafcos Clerides.

Before his departure, the UN Secretary General held a press conference yesterday afternoon evaluating his contacts with TRNC President Rauf Denktaþ and the Greek Cypriot leader Glafkos Clerides.

The full text of the statement of the UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, evaluating his contacts on the island, is as follows:

Yesterday I called on H.E. Mr Glafkos Clerides, the Greek Cypriot leader, and H.E. Mr Rauf Denktaþ, the Turkish Cypriot leader. The three of us met last night and I had the pleasure of hosting them for dinner.

Altogether, I have had several hours of discussions on both the substance and the procedure.

I am concluding my visit sobered by the challenge at hand, but even more deeply convinced that this is the time to press on and rise to that challenge.

As I said on my arrival two days ago, an historic opportunity exists now to reach a comprehensive settlement. There is no doubt in my mind that this would be in the interest of both sides and the region. This opportunity must be seized.

I have reminded both leaders of the responsibility they shoulder, and of my willingness to help them reach the goal they set out to achieve at the end of last year.

The two leaders have stated to me their readiness to intensify their effort. I come away from Cyprus with the commitment of both leaders to go about this effort in a genuine spirit of give and take.

Despite their differences on substance and on the time frame, I am still convinced -- for my part -- that between now and the end of June, they can resolve all the core issues -- provided they go about their task decisively and with the necessary political will. The core issues I have asked them to focus on are governance, security, territory and property. Of course the two leaders agreed last December that all issues are on the table.

I appeal to the two leaders to rise to the challenge and I am looking to the motherlands -- Greece and Turkey -- for sustained and constructive support.

Following the completion of his statement, the UN Secretary General Kofi Annan responding the questions of journalists, said according to his analysis made after his separate meetings with the two sides, there are some differences on the substance and on timing which can be solved if there is will.

Pointing out that President Denktaþ has also indicated this and that he felt June might be too soon, Annan said "I think if the two leaders desire, this can be made. If they focus on the core issues in the spirit of give and take, this may be possible. With my encouragments after the discussions I had with them, I hope they will move ahead in that spirit."

Underlining that during his stay on the island he saw from the eyes of people that they want to see peace on island, Annan said the same thing was desired at the written statements submitted to him. Continuing Annan said "wherever I went, all the people were supporting me and desiring peace and hoping that I can convince the two leaders to find the inspiration to bring peace to the island." Annan added that " I hope they will find the necessary inspiration in my message given to both leaders."

Stressing that "this is a historical occasion and if it is really desired the solution can be found this year", Annan said there are some core issues which they have discussed for a long time however he said, a progress could be achieved if the two sides re-evaluate their point of view and move away from their current position with determination and sincerity."

Stressing that it is the time to achieve peace, Annan said "that’s why I am here, I am here to encourage the two leaders to move forward."

Pointing out that "one should not expect miracle from such a short trip," Annan said what is important is the message he gave to both leaders and expressed his blief that a substantial progress would be achieved by the end of June. Annan added that "I really believe that if the two leaders focus on the core issues and put the interest of the people first, peace can be achieved this year."

Reiterating that always he is ready to assist the two leaders and facilitate the talks, Annan said "My representative here, Alvaro de Soto, will help them and I will continue to follow the process from New York."

In response to a question asked how the issue of EU membership effect the direct talks, Annan said he think that when the two leaders will come together in December, one of their hopes will be to complete the negotiations for a reunited Cyprus to enter into the EU.

Annan said in the event of solving the basic issues by June, the end of the tunnel would be seen and added that "I am not saying that they should sign an agreement by June. But at least they should resolve the core issues and achieve progress."

TRNC President Rauf Denktaþ in his statement to Reuters, said after his meeting with the UN Secreatry General Kofi Annan, he became more optimistic that an agreement for the future of the island would be reached with the Greek Cypriot side.

In response to a question whether he is more optimistic or not after his meeting with Annan, President Denktaþ said "This is right. I am more optimistic."

Stressing that he conveyed to Kofi Annan that it would be impossible to solve all the issues by the end of June, President Denktaþ said they had given time until the end of the year for the completion of the process.

TRNC President Rauf Denktaþ and the Greek Cypriot leader Glafcos Clerides will meet again today to continue the direct talks aimed at finding a lasting solution to the Cyprus issue.