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Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 03-09-16
From: The Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office Server at <http://www.pio.gov.cy/>
[01]Tuesday, 16 September 2003 Cyprus Government urges Israel to rescind
decision to expel Yasser Arafat
[02] UN Secretary-General expresses regret that the Cyprus problem remains
unresolved
[03] The Government will protest against Denktash/s actions to the UN
Secretary-General and Security Council
[04] President Papadopoulos signs book of condolences for Sweden's murdered
Foreign Minister
[05] House President Demetris Christofias meets with Iranian counterpart
[06] Cyprus' Ambassador to Mongolia presents credentials
[01] Cyprus Government urges Israel to rescind decision to expel Yasser
Arafat
The Government of the Republic of Cyprus endorses the statement of the
Presidency of the Council of the European Union of 12th September,
concerning the recent decision by the Israeli Security Cabinet to expel
Yasser Arafat - the elected President of the Palestinian National Authority-
from the Palestinian Territories. Cyprus expresses its profound concern
over this decision and calls for its rescinding Such a decision will
aggravate an already explosive situation and will have unpredictable and
dire consequences. Moreover, it will contribute immensely to the uncertainty
that prevails in the region, causing more bloodshed.
Cyprus believes that there cannot be a solution by imposition of the will
of the one party on the other, or through violence. The solution must be
based on justice and be consistent with Security Council Resolutions, in
particular 242 (22.11.1967), 338 (22.10.1973) and 1397 (12.3.2002), which
will provide security for all the states of the region and for the peaceful
coexistence of two states, including a Palestinian state. Cyprus also urges
the Parties to return as soon as possible to the negotiating table and to
reaffirm their commitment to the implementation of the Road Map.
[02] UN Secretary-General expresses regret that the Cyprus problem remains
unresolved
The UN Secretary General Mr Kofi Annan has expressed regret, in his annual
report to the UN General Assembly on the work of the United Nations, that
the Cyprus problem, despite the intensive exercise of his good offices,
remains unresolved. He stressed that "the lifting of travel restrictions
between the north and south of the island in recent months, while welcome,
is no substitute for a comprehensive settlement of the core issues".
Mr Annan said that he did not believe that any purpose would be served by
his taking a new initiative unless the parties demonstrated their
commitment to a settlement on the basis of his plan. "Should such a
commitment be forthcoming, I shall resume active efforts to resolve this
longstanding dispute", he added. The UN Secretary General also noted that
"a settlement before the entry into force of the Treaty of Accession to the
European Union - on 1 May 2004 - would still allow a reunited Cyprus to
accede to the European Union." The full text of the UN Secretary General's
reference to Cyprus reads as follows: "I regret to report that the Cyprus
problem, despite the intensive exercise of my good offices, remains
unresolved. The lifting of travel restrictions between the north and south
of the island in recent months, while welcome, is no substitute for a
comprehensive settlement of the core issues. A unique opportunity to
achieve a settlement was squandered - a settlement which would have allowed
a reunited Cyprus to sign the Treaty of Accession to the European Union on
16 April 2003. With time running out before the Treaty's signature, and
with hopes renewed by the election in November 2002 of a Government of
Turkey that seemed genuinely disposed to resolving the question, I
submitted in November 2002, a draft comprehensive settlement to the two
Cypriot leaders. Despite their agreeing to negotiate on the basis of that
plan, the negotiations failed to result in an agreement and in April 2003 I
closed the office of my Special Adviser. A settlement before the entry into
force of the Treaty of Accession to the European Union - on 1 May 2004 -
would still allow a reunited Cyprus to accede to the European Union. I do
not believe however that any purpose would be served by my taking a new
initiative unless the parties demonstrate their commitment to a settlement
on the basis of the plan. Should such a commitment be forthcoming, I shall
resume active efforts to resolve this longstanding dispute. In the meantime,
the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus continues to monitor the
buffer zone across the island."
[03] The Government will protest against Denktash/s actions to the UN
Secretary-General and Security Council
The Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr George Iacovou, replying to press
questions yesterday on Denktash/s actions of granting "title deeds" of
properties belonging to Greek Cypriots to Turkish settlers for "election"
purposes stated that the Cyprus Government will make representations to the
United Nations Secretary-General and the Security Council, as well as to
countries which have the ability to exert influence on Denktash/s policy.
Invited to comment on the Turkish Cypriot leader's actions, Mr Iacovou said
that Mr Denktash and the parties that support him are faced with the so-
called elections and will therefore make many "gestures" to secure as much
support as possible, adding that this is directed mainly towards the
Turkish colonist settlers.
[04] President Papadopoulos signs book of condolences for Sweden's murdered
Foreign Minister
The President of the Republic, Mr Tassos Papadopoulos, signed yesterday the
book of condolences which was opened for Sweden's murdered Foreign Minister,
Annan Lindh, at the country's consulate in Nicosia. In a statement after
signing the book, Mr Papadopoulos expressed Cyprus' sympathy and condolences
to the Government and people of Sweden for the loss of "an outstanding
personality, whose principles and world vision for peace will live in the
thoughts and hearts of the Cypriot people". He added that the deceased had
played a very constructive and beneficial role in the Cyprus cause.
The book of condolences for Anna Lindh was also signed yesterday by the
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Georgios Iacovou.
[05] House President Demetris Christofias meets with Iranian counterpart
The President of the House of Representatives Mr Demetris Christofias, who
is in Teheran on an official visit heading a four member parliamentary
delegation, had a meeting yesterday with the Speaker of the Islamic
Consultive Assembly of Iran Mr Mehdi Karroubi. During the meeting the
Cyprus problem, bilateral relations and regional and international
developments were discussed. Referring the Cyprus problem Mr Christofias
said that a large part of Cyprus is still under Turkish occupation in
violation of the UN Charter, the UN resolutions and international legality.
He underlined that a just solution within the framework of a bicommunal,
bizonal federation through negotiations based on the Annan plan, will be in
the interest of both communities in Cyprus.
The House President expressed disappointment that there has been no
progress due to the negative stance of the Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf
Denktash and some circles in Turkey, who want to create two independent
sovereign states on the island. Noting the good will of the Greek Cypriot
side to continue the efforts for finding a solution, he expressed the hope
that Turkey's wish to join the EU may help Turkish politicians understand
that it is in their country's interests to solve the Cyprus problem.
Referring to Cyprus' EU accession, Mr Christofias reassured his Iranian
counterpart that, after its accession, Cyprus would become a bridge between
Europe and the countries in the region, contributing to the solution of
disputes. On his part Mr Karroubi underlined his country's firm support for
a reunited Cyprus in the framework of a just solution of the Cyprus problem,
a stance that had been made clear on many of occasions.
He congratulated Mr Christofias for Cyprus' accession to the EU and
accepted an invitation to visit Cyprus.
[06] Cyprus' Ambassador to Mongolia presents credentials
Ambassador Petros Kestoras presented his credentials, recently, to the
President of Mongolia, Mr Natsagiih Bagabandi, as the new Ambassador of the
Republic of Cyprus to Mongolia, based in Beijing. During a private talk
with Cyprus' Ambassador after the signing ceremony, the President of
Mongolia referred to the close ties between the two countries and expressed
hope for their further enhancement. As regards the Cyprus issue, Mr
Bagabandi underlined that Mongolia was supporting a peaceful solution in
accordance with the relevant UN resolutions.
Ambassador Kestoras conveyed gratitude for Mongolia's support and briefed
President Bagabandi on the latest developments regarding the Cyprus
problem. He also emphasised that the Greek Cypriot side accepted the Annan
plan as a basis for a settlement and was willing and ready to return to the
negotiating table.
From the Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office (PIO) Server at http://www.pio.gov.cy/
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