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Tuesday, 26 November 2024 | ||
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Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 07-08-24Cyprus News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Cyprus News Agency at <http://www.cyna.org.cy>CONTENTS
[01] CYPRUS - PORTUGAL - FMs - TALKSThe Cyprus government is acting under international law and the appropriate conventions with regard to its efforts to exploit possible hydrocarbon reserves in its exclusive economic zone, said Friday Portuguese Minister of Foreign Affairs Luis Filipe Marques Amado, who concluded an official visit to the island.Amado, whose country chairs the EU presidency this term, said on that issue the Commission has made a declaration. Thats the position of the EU, its there. The Cyprus government is acting under international law and the appropriate conventions and thats the position of the EU. The minister made the statements when invited to comment on Turkeys threats against Cyprus right to explore and exploit natural resources in its exclusive economic zone and warnings from Ankara that it will create new fait accomplis. Responding to questions about Turkeys membership talks, Amado said this was a very complex process, but its moving anyway and we want it to move and the criteria and standards and the principles which were agreed by both partiers since the very beginning of these negotiations. Amado said he is not in favour of dramatising too much problems which are complex and difficult as that one. Marcoullis said she explained to Amado the government positions, which are based on international law and specifically the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea and referred to the Turkish threats and Nicosias justified reaction. On the pace of reforms in Turkey, demanded by the EU, Amado said the EU expects the path of reform to continue. Noting that Turkey is going through a transitional period in its political life which is now close to an end, he said certainly the work that has to be done in that path of reforms...by the government of Turkey is fundamental. Amado said the evaluation will be done appropriately in the timetable foreseen. Markoulli said the two had a very friendly discussion, noting that their talks at the ministry included issues on the Portuguese presidency agenda, the Cyprus problem, Euro Turkish relations and issues of mutual interest. They also examined bilateral relations and agreed that both countries have to work to promote them further. There is so much room for bringing the two countries closer as far as commerce and cultural relations are concerned, the Cypriot Minister said. Amado said he had very important meetings with President Papadopoulos, at a private dinner on Thursday, House President Demetris Christofias earlier today and Marcoullis. We had the opportunity to explain the main priorities of the presidency of the EU, we have a very complicated agenda, he said. The Portuguese minister referred to Septembers informal Council of Ministers meeting in his country. We explored all possibilities to increment the relationship between Cyprus and Portugal. We are countries with so many things in common and attachment to historical values. We will have the opportunity to strengthen and reinforce bilateral relations in the future, he added. Amado remarked that political relations are very good, we are allies, members of the same union and we need to work together all the time to develop our relations. Marcoullis said she repeated that Cyprus is committed to the economic development of the Turkish Cypriot community. The Cypriot minister also pledged the governments commitment to a bizonal, bicommunal federation, noting that such a system definitely has to be democratic, respect human rights, workable and allow us to function effectively within the EU. [02] NICHOLAS BURNS - CYPRUSUndersecretary of State at the US State Department, Nicholas Burns, has pledged to use his influence both at the UN and with its European partners for a renewed effort to achieve a just resolution to the Cyprus problem.Recalling that he is due to visit Cyprus next month or October, Burns underlined his countrys support to a bizonal, bicommunal federation, noting that the US supports only one government on Cyprus, that of the Republic of Cyprus. [03] US AMBASSADOR - PAPADOPOULOS-TALAT MEETINGUS Ambassador to Cyprus Ronald Schlicher said his country was very happy and pleased that a meeting between Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat will take place on the 5th of September.In statements to the press, after a meeting he had with Cyprus Minister of Interior Christos Patsalides, Schlicher expressed hope that the meeting will open the way for the implementation of the 8 July 2006 Agreement reached between the two sides, under the UN auspices, providing for the concurrent establishment of working groups to address substantive aspects of the Cyprus problem and technical committees to deal with the day-to-day problems that affect the people, as well as Confidence Building Measures. [04] OVERSEAS CYPRIOTS - FINANCIAL SUPPORTChairman of the International Coordinating Committee Justice for Cyprus (PSEKA) Philip Christopher underlined Friday the need for further financial support of overseas Cypriots for the purposes of the enlightenment campaign they conduct on Cyprus question abroad.Speaking during the PSEKA conference, in the framework of the 15th World Congress of overseas Cypriots, Christopher called upon the delegates to work for the establishment of a new Committee that will take over the enlightenment campaign and which will inform Cyprus entrepreneurs on the mission of PSEKA, inviting them to contribute financially with a view to promote the organisations mission internationally. Cyprus News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |