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Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 03-11-27
From: The Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office Server at <http://www.pio.gov.cy/>
[01]Thursday, 27 November 2003 Greek Premier: Greece and Cyprus remain
committed to the UN process
[01] Greek Premier: Greece and Cyprus remain committed to the UN process
"Greece and Cyprus remain committed to the UN process; our common goal is
to reach a solution of the Cyprus problem which will be just, viable and
functional, based on UN decisions, the principles of the EU acquis
communautaire, and the full respect of human rights", Greece's Prime
Minister, Mr Costas Simitis, has noted. Speaking yesterday after a meeting
with President Tassos Papadopoulos, who is on an official visit to the
Greek capital, Mr Simitis reiterated the readiness of both Cyprus and
Greece to resume negotiations for a settlement on the basis of the plan of
the UN Secretary-General. Referring to the stance of the Turkish side, Mr
Simitis said both countries had ascertained the continuing intransigence of
Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash, which was supported by Ankara, as
shown by "Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan's recent participation in the
provocative celebrations for the declaration of the pseudostate".
The Greek Premier said he had discussed with Mr Papadopoulos all the
aspects of the Cyprus problem, prospects to resume the UN-led peace talks,
Cyprus' EU accession course, bilateral relations, international developments,
humanitarian issues concerning the enclaved in occupied Karpass, and
developments in the Loizidou case. Mr Simitis further noted they had
examined developments in the occupied areas, "where the illegal registration
of thousands of settlers continues in view of the voting of 14 December".
Other issues discussed, as Mr Simitis pointed out, were asylum issues, the
exchange of technical expertise, the implementation of the acquis
communautaire, Cyprus' participation in the processes of the Intergovernmental
Conference, economic relations, the Joint Defence Pact, the Olympic Games,
and cultural ties. "2004 is a year with important milestones, since during
that year Cyprus' full accession to the EU will take place, European
Councils will convene to decide on issues relating to the solution of the
Cyprus problem and Turkey's EU course, and the future of Euro-Turkish
relations will be determined", Mr Simitis said, stressing the need for
effective coordination between Athens and Nicosia in order to promote their
positions successfully. On his part, President Papadopoulos expressed
gratitude to the Greek Prime Minister for the "excellent spirit of
cooperation and the identity of views on important issues discussed" during
their talks. Replying to questions on the Titina Loizidou case, Mr Simitis
and Mr Papadopoulos stressed that member states of the Council of Europe,
and especially those wishing to join the EU, had an obligation to implement
the judgments of the European Court of Human Rights without conditions.
Regarding the Annan Plan, Mr Simitis said that systematic work was being
done by the Cyprus Government to identify points that had to be modified to
ensure the functionality and viability of the State envisaged by the plan.
Mr Papadopoulos said discussions on the points of the Annan Plan in need of
change were being formulated on the basis of contacts and talks with
foreigners and decision-making centres. In other scheduled contacts
yesterday, President Papadopoulos met with leaders and representatives of
Greek political parties. He also attended an official ceremony at the
Athens City Hall, during which he was awarded the golden medal of merit of
the Greek capital. The President wraps up his three-day visit to Greece
today with meetings with Archbishop Christodoulos and the Speaker of the
Greek Parliament Mr Apostolos Kaklamanis. He is expected to give a press
conference early in the afternoon and return to Cyprus later today.
From the Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office (PIO) Server at http://www.pio.gov.cy/
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