Cyprus News Agency: News in English (AM), 01-11-11

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From: The Cyprus News Agency at <http://www.cyna.org.cy>

CONTENTS

[01] Belgian FM: EU finds the status quo in Cyprus unacceptable.

[02] Clerides: Cyprus actively participates in efforts against terrorism

[03] Clerides: Ready to engage in the process of negotiations

[04] President Clerides - Slovenian President - Indian Prime Minister

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[01] Belgian FM: EU finds the status quo in Cyprus unacceptable.

Speaking on behalf of the EU at the UN General Assembly, the minister expressed the EU disappointment at the "unjustified decision of the Turkish side to decline the Secretary General's invitation to pursue negotiations." CNA/MM/RM /2001

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[02] Clerides: Cyprus actively participates in efforts against terrorism

The President also referred to the need for a resolution of regional conflicts, saying that work must start immediately to end the cycle of violence in the Middle East and expressing support for the creation of a Palestinian state, and added that Cyprus would like to see Security Council resolution 1244 on Kosovo implemented.

"We unreservedly condemn the barbaric acts of 11 September which we consider as attacks against the values and principles of humanity," the President said, reiterating his government's "deep condolences and sympathy to the American people."

He said the community of nations must individually and collectively take concerted and resolute action against terrorism, adding that there is no justification or excuse for terrorism.

Renewing Cyprus' commitment to implement fully the UN Security Council resolutions, in particular resolution 1373, the President said "Cyprus is actively participating in the common effort and has ratified or acceded to nine of the 12 international conventions pertaining to international terrorism."

He said the government expects an early ratification of the most recent convention for the suppression of the financing of terrorism and that a comprehensive proposal to set up a task force to combat international terrorism has been approved by the cabinet.

On the work of the UN, the President said each and every UN member must provide the necessary resources and support to face old and new tasks, including maintaining international peace and security.

The President congratulated UN Secretary General Kofi Annan on the award of this year's Nobel peace prize, which he described a "well deserved recognition of the central role of the UN."

Referring to human rights, he said "we need to make accountable those violators and decisively strike at the culture of impunity, whether in international or domestic affairs" and reiterated Cyprus' strong support for the early entry into force of the International Criminal Court.

"The tragic events of 11 September highlighted the need to continue and accelerate the efforts to prevent and solve regional conflicts," the President said, noting that the inability of the international community to put an end to the unacceptable situation in the Middle East undermines the credibility of the system of collective security.

He said Cyprus, with close relations to the peoples of the region, supports "the fulfillment of the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people, including the creation of their own state."

"We urge both parties to work immediately towards finding ways to put an end to this cycle of violence and to respect the provisions of the Mitchell report as an absolute necessary first step towards this direction," he said.

On the situation in the Balkans, the President said Cyprus backs the implementation of Security Council resolution 1244 on Kosovo, the respect of human rights and fundamental freedoms and expressed hope that the forces of peace and reconciliation will prevail in FYROM. CNA/MM/RM/2001

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[03] Clerides: Ready to engage in the process of negotiations

He also urged Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash, who abandoned the UN- led peace talks last year, to reconsider his positions and work for common prosperity of all Cypriots by stopping raising obstacles to the peace effort.

In his address to the 56 UN General Assembly, the President sent a message of hope that Cyprus, as a reunited federal state, member of the European Union, would be of benefit to all Cypriots and hold a better future for the coming generations.

The President deplored the decision of Rauf Denktash to decline an invitation to talks by UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, describing it "particularly disturbing and disappointing" and warned the international community that acceptance of the existing division and occupation of Cyprus would set a dangerous precedent in international affairs.

On the humanitarian issue of missing persons, Clerides appealed to Ankara to show the political will in order to help alleviate the suffering of families of missing persons, Greek and Turkish Cypriots alike.

The President expressed "deep disappointment" over Denktash's refusal to continue the UN proximity talks to help find a comprehensive settlement and said this was "particularly disturbing."

Noting that the failure to make progress is due to the lack of political will by Turkey and Denktash, the President said demands by the Turkish side to accept the so-called "realities" on the island have been repeatedly rejected by UN resolutions.

"Acceptance of the so-called 'realities' would create a very dangerous precedent in international affairs, striking at the very heart of the cherished principles of state sovereignty and territorial integrity," Clerides warned.

Commenting on recent threats by Turkey to annex the parts of Cyprus it occupies, the President had this to say: "I recommend to the leadership of Turkey to abandon its threats for the annexation of the occupied part of Cyprus, I urge them to consider the obvious advantages of the solution of the Cyprus problem for the stability in our region, the consolidation of the Greco-Turkish rapprochement and the promotion of Turkey's aspirations to join in the process of European integration."

In a message to Denktash, he invited him to "join me in sharing the vision of a Cyprus too small to be divided" and urged him to "listen to the desperate voices of our Turkish Cypriot compatriots and stop placing obstacles, at each turn, to the good offices of the Secretary General for a solution to the Cyprus problem."

"I urge Mr Denktash to realize that he and I are not getting any younger and that we owe it to the younger generations of Cypriots to do away with the walls of division," he said.

The President said his vision for Cyprus is a departure from the passions of the past, adding that he sees the future of the island in a reunited federal state, member of the EU, with a single citizenship, sovereignty and international personality, demilitarized and playing its rightful role in the Eastern Mediterranean.

"I reiterate my readiness to engage in the process of negotiations with the necessary political will and good faith for finding a fair and viable settlement based on the UN resolutions, meeting the legitimate interests of all Cypriots," the President concluded. CNA/MM/RM/2001

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[04] President Clerides - Slovenian President - Indian Prime Minister

Clerides and Kucan also talked about their countries' European accession course.

Present at the meetings was Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides, who met yesterday with foreign minister of the Palestinian Authority and discussed the Middle East issue, the Cyprus question and matters relating to the Islamic Conference.

Kasoulides met here yesterday Germany's ambassador to Cyprus Peter Witig and on Monday he is due to see German Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer. CNA/MM/RM/2001

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