Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 03-02-26

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

CONTENTS

[01] Papadopoulos: Annan wants to push forward Cyprus talks

[02] Demonstration in favour of Annan plan

[03] Weston: Renewed hope that solution achievable

[01] Papadopoulos: Annan wants to push forward Cyprus talks

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Papadopoulos: Annan wants to push forward Cyprus talks

Nicosia, Feb 26 (CNA) -- Cyprus President-elect, Tassos Papadopoulos, said here Wednesday UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan wants to become personally involved in the current stages of the Cyprus problem, hoping his presence and personal contribution will push forward the talks.

Speaking after his meeting with Annan, on the first day of the UN Chiefs visit to the island, Papadopoulos said he assured Annan about the Greek Cypriot sides determination to hold talks for a comprehensive settlement to the Cyprus problem with a constructive and flexible attitude.

Confirming his meeting with Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash in the presence of Annan, on Thursday, Papadopoulos said he has received the new revised Annan plan.

To a question if Annan had asked for a reply to the plan from both Papadopoulos and Denktash before his departure from Cyprus, President Papadopoulos said Annan hopes to have a reply but he has not given a deadline.

The newly-elected Cypriot president pointed out that the Secretary-General expressed his strong wish to maintain the timeframe for a solution. He considers the timeframe very important and expressed his desire that it be kept, said Papadopoulos.

He added that he did not discuss with Annan the new revised plan because he is not familiar with it, adding I simply outlined our views on the proposals we had.

Asked if Annan had informed him whether Ankara is committed to the procedure, Papadopoulos replied, Annan is very convinced Ankara wants a solution. Of course, we all want a solution, the point is what kind of solution. He added that Annan has the impression that Ankara will help find a solution.

Invited to comment on a prereferendum Denktash is reported to organise on the Annan plan in the Turkish-occupied northern part of Cyprus, Papadopoulos said, the referendum is Denktashs choice....

Asked if such a prereferendum could cause problems to the Greek Cypriot side, the President-elect replied this is an issue which concerns Mr. Denktash and the Turkish Cypriot community.

Regarding the submission of the new revised plan, Papadopoulos said that he received it ten minutes before meeting Mr. Annan, adding he will spend the night studying it.

Asked whether he believes that substantial negotiations can be held and a solution secured by 7 March, President Papadopoulos replied we have repeatedly said we are ready for substantial negotiations. It must be appreciated that we cannot find a solution alone. There is the other side involved as well. There is also the Turkish side and if it has the will, like we do, and maintains positions which can satisfy our concerns and likewise, a solution can be found. I cannot foresee Mr. Denktashs frame of mind, he added.

Papadopoulos said Annan talked about a unique opportunity for a Cyprus settlement, and not the last chance for a solution.

The new president said he will confer with his advisers on the revised plan, noting the deliberations tomorrow will be just as intense as they were today.

[02] Demonstration in favour of Annan plan

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Demonstration in favour of Annan plan

Nicosia, Feb 26 (CNA) - A peaceful demonstration in favour of the Annan plan for a Cyprus settlement and accession to the European Union of a reunited Cyprus, was held here Wednesday outside the hotel where UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan will be staying during his three-day visit to the island.

Members of the Platform Solution-Reunification Now, holding candles and banners with slogans ''Peace'', ''Solution - Reunification Now'', in English, Greek and Turkish, remained for an hour outside Hilton hotel in Nicosia, in an effort to convey their message for peace to Annan.

[03] Weston: Renewed hope that solution achievable

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Weston: Renewed hope that solution achievable

Larnaca, Feb 26 (CNA) - US State Department Coordinator for Cyprus, Thomas Weston, said he returns to the island from his visits to Athens and Ankara ''with a renewed sense of hope that a solution is achievable''.

Returning to Cyprus from Athens, where he held talks with the Greek political leadership, Weston said he was due to attend a meeting in Nicosia. UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan is currently holding consultations with Britain's Special Representative for Cyprus Lord David Hannay and other officials at the hotel in Nicosia, where he is staying during his three-day visit to the island.

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