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Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 03-10-16Cyprus News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Cyprus News Agency at <http://www.cyna.org.cy>CONTENTS
[01] Cyprus ratifies agreement on ban of anti-personnel landmines1015:CYPPRESS:01Cyprus ratifies agreement on ban of anti-personnel landmines by Apostolis Zoupaniotis United Nations, Oct 16 (CNA) -- Cyprus has ratified the Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Landmines, reaffirming thus its support to the international communitys collective efforts to eliminate this totally inhumane method of warfare. The Republic's representative to the First Committee on Disarmament Yiorgos Christofides has pointed out in his address to the Committee that despite the continuing occupation by Turkey of almost 40% of Cyprus' territory and the constant threat posed by some 40,000 troops stationed on the island, the ratification of the Ottawa Convention comes as a concrete demonstration of the government's political will for peace and reconciliation and as part of genuine commitment to international norms in the field of disarmament. [02] Britain calls on Turkey to urge T/C for a united Cyprus' EU accession1015:CYPPRESS:02Britain calls on Turkey to urge T/C for a united Cyprus' EU accession by Kyriakos Tsioupras London, Oct 16 (CNA) -- Britain's Minister of State Denis MacShane has called on Ankara to put pressure on the Turkish Cypriots in occupied Cyprus so that a united Cyprus can join the EU on 1 May 2004. Answering questions at the House of Commons, of Conservative MP Richard Spring on Britain's encouragement over the preparation of Turkey's EU accession, MacShane agreed that an important step in Turkey's European Course would be the resolution of the Cyprus problem. ''I am glad that there is one narrow area of terrain over which we see eye to eye,'' said the Minister of State referring to the conservative MP, adding that the British government ''want Turkey to look west and prepare itself for EU membership. A major contribution to that would be for Turkey to put pressure on the northern Cypriot-Turkish communities and leaders, so that a united Cyprus can enter the European Union on 1 May next year''. He further noted that under the Annan plan for a political settlement, a united Cyprus' accession would mean that one of its two leaders would be a Turkish Cypriot, Turkish would become an official language of the Union and Turkey would be dealing and negotiating with a partner that understood her language and culture.'' ''It is in Ankara's interests to do everything now to support a united Cyprus under the Annan plan, joining the European Union,'' MacShane concluded. CNA KT/KN/GP/2003[03] Weather forecast for Cyprus1150:CYPPRESS:03Weather forecast for Cyprus Nicosia, Oct 16 (CNA) -- The Meteorological Office at Larnaca International Airport has issued the following weather forecast for Cyprus: Friday and Saturday: 17/10/2003 to 18/10/2003 The weather will be fine, with temporal cloud. Gentle southeasterly to southwesterly winds will be blowing during the morning, veering southwesterly to northwesterly moderate by midday, expected locally fresh over the south in the afternoon. Ligh to gentle northeasterly to northwesterly winds will prevail overnight. The state of sea will be generally sight, but temporarily up to moderate over the south, in the afternoon. Maximum temperature is expected around 29C inland, around 28C over the east and south coasts, 26C over the west coast and around 18C over Prodromos. Minimum temperature is expected around 17C inland and over the west coast, 18C over the south and east coasts and around 10C over Prodromos. Outlook for Sunday and Monday: 19/10/2003 to 20/10/2003 Generally fine and mostly clear weather is expected, while an increase in maximum temperature is also expected. [04] UN demining expert joins UNFICYP1305:CYPPRESS:04UN demining expert joins UNFICYP Nicosia, Oct 16 (CNA) -- A demining expert, Michael Raine, is in Cyprus to help prepare a plan for minefield clearance within the buffer zone, the UN has announced. [05] Cyprus President: Unwise to veto Turkey's EU accession1350:CYPPRESS:05Cyprus President: Unwise to veto Turkey's EU accession by Emilia Christofi Brussels, Oct 16 (CNA) -- Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos has stressed the Cyprus government considers an unwise move to veto Turkey's EU accession course when Cyprus becomes a member of the European Union next May. In a breakfast policy briefing organised by the European Policy Centre in Brussels, entitled ''The Cyprus question - Prospects for a settlement'', the Cypriot President said the Annan peace plan is the most comprehensive basis for negotiations for a Cyprus settlement and that the Greek Cypriot side is ready at any moment to begin substantial and substantive negotiations for a solution. However no developments are expected before the ''voting'' in the Turkish- occupied north of Cyprus (14 December 2003). In his speech, Papadopoulos referred to recent developments in the Cyprus problem and said the two major events that took place are the tabling of the Annan plan and the ''milestone of the signing of the Accession Treaty''. He said ''these two events changed the scenery on the Cyprus problem''. On the Annan plan, President Papadopoulos said it is ''the most comprehensive plan which aims at dealing with every aspect of the Cyprus problem''. He said ''there had never been any negotiations before the Annan plan just monologues'', adding that the Annan plan has ''opened the door to serious negotiations''. Noting that it was supposed to be ''a self-executory plan'', President Papadopoulos said many things still need to be finalised ''but nevertheless our position is that it is the most comprehensive plan and that we accept it as a basis for negotiation''. Papadopoulos said the changes which the Greek Cypriot side is seeking are to improve it ''and make it more workable in order to be more viable''. The Cyprus problem, he added, ''has gone on for too long and we cannot accept another friction''. He categorically stressed that ''all suggestions for improvements do not aim to upset the balance, are within the parametres and do not go outside the framework of the plan''. President Papadopoulos declared the Greek Cypriot side's readiness to enter immediately into ''substantial and substantive negotiaitons, without preconditions and without any delay, even today''. Referring to Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash's attitude, President Papadopoulos said the Turkish Cypriot leader considers the plan ''dead'' and that backed by Ankara, he claims it cannot be a basis for negotiations. ''The vision of Denktash is a nightmare'', President Papadopoulos said, because Denktash wants "two separate sovereign states'' something that will be "a true nightmare for Cyprus". ''It is unthinkable in the time of the EU, where barriers come down, in an island so small, to have two separate sovereign entities''. He backed this statement by saying that the Greek Cypriot community amounts to 82 percent and Turkish Cypriots 18 percent of the island's total population, while as far as the land ownership is concerned, the Turkish Cypriots have 12.9 percent and the rest is for Greek Cypriots, Maronites, Armenians and Latins. ''So there is no area where Turkish Cypriot ownership is predominant so as to explain having two states'', he added. On the signing of the accession Treaty to the EU, President Papadopoulos said it was a ''historical moment to take part in the enlargement'', noting that Cyprus has undertaken obligations and needs to abide by the acquis and change its concepts and institutions in Cyprus.''Not only it opened prospects for a prosperity but also obligations'', he added. ''We want to be a constructive partner and not a troublesome partner, he added, adding that Cyprus wants to be able to perform its duties and honour its obligations. Regarding prospects to solve the Cyprus problem, President Papadopoulos said the decision on Cyprus is taken by Ankara, stressing that there is good evidence to believe that Denktash has influence in Turkey which may prevent any initiative taken for the island. The most recent example, he added, is the signing of the so called ''framework for a customs union'' between Turkey and the illegal regime, showing that ''with this, Denktash had imposed his will on the Turkish government''. In spite of the deadlock in the talks, said President Papadopoulos, everyone says, even the UN Secretary-General, that they do not expect to see anything on the Cyprus problem before the ''voting'' in the occupied areas of Cyprus. ''Our side believes that the EU accession can be a catalyst for Turksh Cypriots to participate as equal citizens of the Union'', with equal rights. He said when Denktash lifted some of the restrictions which he had imposed on the freedom of movement, ''he had predicted that there would be a massacre between Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots, similar to the one in Bosnia'' and other countries. ''No single incident has taken place'', the President said, adding that ''in general, as long as Denktash remains the leader of the Turkish Cypriots, there is no prospect to commence any negotiations on the Annan plan and reach an agreement. The Turkish Cypriots want a solution in the framework of the Annan plan'', he added. The 1st of May 2004, he added, is an ''irreversible course and we invite our Turkish Cypriot compatriots to share this great challenge''. ''If a united Cyprus joins the EU'', he said, ''everyone has to gain, Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots even greater. If it is not resolved by 1st of May, then there will be practical problems for Greek Cypriots which may prevent us from fully joining the EU''. However, the Greek Cypriot side will persevere if there is no settlement and ''redouble our efforts''. ''The only way to go is a reunified Cyprus to join the EU'', he added. Answering a relevant question by a journalist of the Turkish newspaper "Vatan", President Papadopoulos said one issue which is ''non negotiable is the establishment of two separate states in Cyprus''. Asked if Cyprus would veto Turkey's application to the EU, President Papadopoulos stressed that when Cyprus will enter the EU, it will have the same equal rights with all other member states. He said ''vetoing is for the big boys, it is more convincing when it comes from a big country''. However, ''it would be a most unwise move on the part of Cyprus to take this move'', he said, adding that a ''Turkey, behaving like an EU country, would benefit Cyprus and it would not be to its detriment''. To a question what is his vision of a future Europe, President Papadopoulos said it is one of a union of countries in Europe who have equality, respect of culture and prosperity. He said smaller countries should have a greater contribution and this is one of the points in which he wants changed in the new European convention. Regarding Cyprus' role in a future Europe, a question put forward by Leopold Maurer (EU's negotiator for Cyprus' entry), President Papadopoulos said during his dinner last night with EU Enlargement Commissioner Gunter Verheugen, the Commissioner said within his portfolio in improving relations with countries outside the EU, Cyprus can play a role, especially with Arab countries. He said ''I committed myself to Mr. Verheugen to utilise my contacts'' so that Cyprus can modestly contribute to policy in Europe. To a question about the role of the British Sovereign Bases in Cyprus after accesion, President Papadopoulos said that in the Annan plan, the ''British embedded, enhanced and improved their rights''. On the question of Turkish colonist settlers in occupied Cyprus, President Papadopoulos said it was one of the ''thorny problems'' in Cyprus, noting the Annan plan has provisions for this that when an agreement is reached, around 35-45 thousand will remain on the island. However, the latest report by Finish Rapporteur on the settlers Laakso Jaakko talked about 119 thousand, noting he was ''very disturbed to read this''. ''We want some clarifications on this in the Annan plan, a more clear cut provisions'' as regards the issue of settlers in Cyprus within the Annan plan. Furthermore, the Cypriot President said ''we have no objection to making Turkey an EU official language'' while on another point, he said that the Cyprus problem was never an issue of religion. [06] Health Minister in European meeting on drug policy1400:CYPPRESS:06Health Minister in European meeting on drug policy [07] China continues to support a Cyprus settlement1455:CYPPRESS:07China continues to support a Cyprus settlement [08] Cyprus Stock Exchange
[09] Weather and Temperatures for Cyprus
[10] Irish PM to visit Cyprus1605:CYPPRESS:10Irish PM to visit Cyprus Nicosia, Oct 16 (CNA) -- The Prime Minister of Ireland Bertie Ahern will visit Cyprus early next month, as part of a tour of European Union members and acceding countries. [11] EU increases pressure on Turkey to contribute to a Cyprus settlement, Rothe says1700:CYPPRESS:11EU increases pressure on Turkey to contribute to a Cyprus settlement, Rothe says Nicosia, Oct 16 (CNA) -- As Cyprus moves closer to its accession to the European Union on May 1st 2004, the Union will increase its pressure on Turkey to assist efforts for a solution to the Cyprus question, Mechtild Rothe Member of the European Parliament (MEP) and co-chairperson of the EU - Cyprus Joint Parliamentary Committee said here today. [12] Turkish side has not declined the Annan plan totally, Erdogan says1750:CYPPRESS:12Turkish side has not declined the Annan plan totally, Erdogan says by Emilia Christofi Brussels, Oct 16 (CNA) -- Turkey's Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said here Thursday that negotiations on the Cyprus problem can take place based on the Annan plan, that would carry the sides to a solution. Answering a question by CNA during a press conference on the sidelines of the European Council, Premier Erdogan said, speaking through an interpreter, the Turkish side has not declined the Annan plan totally. To a remark by CNA that Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos said Cyprus would not veto Turkey's accession course if a solution is not reached before May 2004 and asked why Turkey does not take concrete steps to solve the Cyprus problem through negotiations based on the Annan Plan, Erdogan replied: ''we have not declined the Annan Plan totally till now, anyhow.'' To a remark that Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash says the plan is dead, Erdogan said ''Denktash till now might have thought so, he might continues to do so, but if you are asking me the question as a leader of one of the guaranteeing countries, as the Prime Minister of Turkey I can tell you that the Annan Plan has its good parts and its bad parts.'' He said the plan however, ''can be negotiable, it can be worked on and it can carry us to a solution.'' Erdogan further said ''we have to emphasise one fact here, that there have been many positive steps taken by 'president' Denktash from the 2nd of April until now.'' He referred to ''the offer for the opening of the closed section of Famagusta, the actual opening of the Ledra Palace port of entry mutually, free trade to start in northern Cyprus, and his proposal to open the airport of Nicosia mutually for joint use'' and claimed that the Cyprus government's attitude towards these offeres has been negative. ''So it would be very beneficial to analyse all these as a whole'', Erdogan cocluded. CNA/EC/MK/2003 ENDS,CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY [13] UN Day to be celebrated in Cyprus1755:CYPPRESS:13UN Day to be celebrated in Cyprus Nicosia, Oct 16 (CNA) --- United Nations Day, marking the UN 58th birthday, will be celebrated in Cyprus this Sunday, October 19, with festivities focusing on the island's cultural traditions in the field of arts, crafts and music. [14] Cox hopes ''elections'' in northern Cyprus will create dynamic for a change2010:CYPPRESS:14Cox hopes ''elections'' in northern Cyprus will create dymanic for a change by Emilia Christofi Brussels, Oct 16 (CNA) -- European Parliament President Pat Cox said he is hoping that the so called elections in the Turkish occupied north of Cyprus would create a dynamic that would bring about a change and noted that that such a dynamic should be seized. [15] Cyprus condemns yesterday's terrorist attack in Gaza2020:CYPPRESS:15Cyprus condemns yesterday's terrorist attack in Gaza Nicosia, Oct 16 (CNA) -- Cyprus condemned today the recent terrorist attack in the Gaza strip that caused loss of lives of American citizens. ''The Ministry of Foreign Affairs unequivocally condemns the recent terrorist attack in the Gaza strip that caused loss of lives of American citizens'', an official press release says. It adds that ''the Government and the people of Cyprus would like to extend their profound grief and to convey their most sincere condolences to the families of the innocent victims and to the American Government''. ''This despicable act of terror is another shocking event in the long and vicious cycle of violence in the Middle East that jeopardises the peace effort of the Quartet'', the press release notes. Cyprus News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |
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