Nicosia - The Cyprus peace talks in New York on May 23rd were threatened with postponement yesterday after it was announced that the Cypriot President, Mr Glafkos Clerides, would have to undergo surgery.
The President, who celebrated his 81st birthday last month, will be admitted to a Nicosia private clinic tomorrow for what is described as routine surgery to remove a growth on his intestine.
"The President will undergo preventive surgery to a growth on his intestine and will not be able to take up his duties for 15 days," a specialist cardiologist, Dr Akis Syrimis, said.
He added: "It will depend on the results of surgery, but it is unlikely that he will be able to travel after such an operation, which usually takes up to four weeks for a full recovery." Diplomatic activity to prepare the ground for the important talks between Mr Clerides and the Turkish Cypriot leader, Mr Rauf Denktash, has now been put on hold.