U/SYG PASCOE TELLS P-5 CYPRUS SPECIAL ENVOY WILL

UNCLAS USUN NEW YORK 000282 SIPDIS SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL CY UNSC SUBJECT: U/SYG PASCOE TELLS P-5 CYPRUS SPECIAL ENVOY WILL BE NEEDED SOON ¶1. (SBU) On March 27, U/SYG For Political Affairs Pascoe briefed the P-5 in advance of a mission he will lead next week to Cyprus. Pascoe said that because the successful meeting of two leaders on Cyprus last Friday provided new hope, next week's mission is aimed at helping the parties instead of assessing whether they are ready to negotiate. ¶2. (SBU) Pascoe stated that the next few months of meetings between the parties will likely focus on setting up working groups and committees envisioned in the July 8, 2006 agreement, but the parties will soon face tougher issues that require appointment of a new UN special envoy. (Note: Pascoe was referring to a high-level, roving special envoy filling the role Alvaro de Soto had during the preparation of the Annan Plan. This would be separate from the SRSG. End note.) Pascoe also said the Ledra Street crossing will likely be opened next Tuesday or Wednesday while he is on the island. Pascoe intends to probe the leaders on how far they are willing to go, but not conduct negotiations. He stated that he intends to report back to the Security Council in mid-April after his trip. ¶3. (SBU) All P-5 members offered support for and expressed cautious optimism regarding Pascoe's upcoming mission. KHALILZAD