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Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 04-02-13Cyprus News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Cyprus News Agency at <http://www.cyna.org.cy>CONTENTS
[01] Third Annan-Papadopoulos-Denktash meeting ends0130:CYPPRESS:02Third Annan-Papadopoulos-Denktash meeting ends by Apostolis Zoupaniotis United Nations, Feb 13 (CNA) -- A tripartite meeting between the Greek Cypriot and the Turkish Cypriot sides, in the presence of UN Secretary General Kofi Annan concluded here today, about an hour after it had started. This was the third such meeting in as many days. The two delegations are now in separate rooms. [02] UN says Cyprus talks will last as long as it takes0300:CYPPRESS:03UN says Cyprus talks will last as long as it takes by Apostolis Zoupaniotis United Nations, Feb 13 (CNA) - UN Deputy Secretary General Sir Kieran Prendergast said today that talks taking place at UN headquarters would last as long as it takes. On departing from the UN building and asked how long the talks would last, Sir Kieran said ''they will last as long as it takes''. Asked if the talks would drag into a fourth day, Sir Kieran said he did not know. Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash are in New York following an invitation by Annan to meet in a bid to resume negotiations with a view at finding a negotiated settlement before Cyprus joins the European Union in May this year. [03] UN Secretary General departs from headquarters0330:CYPPRESS:04UN Secretary General departs from headquarters by Apostolis Zoupaniotis United Nations, Feb 13 (CNA) - UN Secretary General Kofi Annan has departed from UN headquarters, and the parties involved in the Cyprus problem are in separate rooms holding discussions. Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash are in New York following an invitation by Annan to meet in a bid to resume negotiations with a view at finding a negotiated settlement before Cyprus joins the European Union in May this year. A single joint meeting held on Tuesday has turned into three joint meetings in as many days. Sources said the talks would probably spill into a fourth day. [04] New York deliberations on Cyprus spill into fourth day0715:CYPPRESS:05New York deliberations on Cyprus spill into fourth day by Apostolis Zoupaniotis United Nations, Feb 13 (CNA) - Deliberations at UN headquarters on the Cyprus problem are continuing, with the delegations of the Greek Cypriot and the Turkish Cypriot sides, having met jointly with UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, holding shuttle talks for the past few hours with the UN chief's Special Adviser on Cyprus Alvaro de Soto. A single joint meeting scheduled and held on Tuesday has turned into three joint meetings in as many days. Thursday's joint meeting began with a delay of two hours and lasted an hour. Following the talks, the delegations retired to separate rooms for deliberations, which have spilled in to Friday. UN Deputy Secretary General Sir Kieran Prendergast, leaving UN headquarters, said the talks would last ''as long as it takes''. Later on, the Greek and Turkish delegations arrived at the headquarters for further deliberations. An hour later, Annan departed from UN headquarters for home. An aide to Annan said the UN chief would return if necessary. [05] Compromise proposal put forward in Cyprus talks0915:CYPPRESS:06Compromise proposal put forward in Cyprus talks by Apostolis Zoupaniotis United Nations, Feb 13 (CNA) -- As the UN is trying to broker a deal that would meet the concerns of the Greek Cypriot and the Turkish Cypriot side and allow the resumption of peace talks, a compromise proposal with regard to a joint communique has been put forward. [06] President Papadopoulos leaves UN building1010:CYPPRESS:07President Papadopoulos leaves UN building by Apostolis Zoupaniotis United Nations, Feb 13 (CNA) -- Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos has left the UN building after more twelve hours of talks with UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash. [07] Denktash leaves UN building1035:CYPPRESS:08Denktash leaves UN building by Apostolis Zoupaniotis United Nations, Feb 13 (CNA) -- Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash has left the UN building after more than twelve hours of talks, direct and indirect, with Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos and UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan or his special adviser. ''They will inform us in writing and they will ask us to say yes or no to the proposal, the statement which the Secretary-General is going to make, what it will contain,'' he told the press as he was leaving. [08] Kofi Annan to submit compromise draft for joint statement1100:CYPPRESS:09Kofi Annan to submit compromise draft for joint statement by Apostolis Zoupaniotis United Nations, Feb 13 (CNA) -- UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan intends to present the Greek Cypriot and the Turkish Cypriot sides with a new draft compromise text for a statement he proposes to issue with regard to the Cyprus peace talks. Panayiotis Beglitis, spokesman for the Greek Foreign Ministry, told the press after more than twelve hours of talks at the UN seat that the Greek Cypriot side maintained a constructive stance throughout Thursday's consultations with Annan and his special adviser Alvaro de Soto. Beglitis also said that the Greek Cypriot side had submitted three compromise proposals relating to the joint statement which were unfortunately turned down by the Turkish side, which cited domestic concerns for its rejection of the proposals. [09] Greece hopes for a successful conclusion to Cyprus peace talks1245:CYPPRESS:10Greece hopes for a successful conclusion to Cyprus peace talks by Apostolis Zoupaniotis United Nations, Feb 13 (CNA) -- Panayiotis Belgitis, spokesman for the Greek Foreign Ministry, has expressed cautious optimism for the resumption of Cyprus peace talks after a very hard night of negotiations at the UN seat in New York. He also said that there is just one problem to be settled and that the UN Secretary-General will expect a one-word (yes or no) reply to a statement he proposes to issue later today in relation to the talks. Beglitis stressed the Greek Cypriot and the Greek side will continue to maintain their constructive attitude and are ready to respond to Annan's call in a positive manner if the draft statement meets their requirements. A senior source at the Greek foreign ministry said last night's talks focused on a non paper Kofi Annan had presented the sides to the talks, which is largely based on proposals put forward by the Turkish side. According to the same source, two of the proposals of the Greek side were accepted. One of them suggested that Annan's role as abritrator to the talks, should the sides fail to reach agreement on some issues, should be based on his peace proposal for a comprehensive settlement. UN sources have indicated that rejection of the Secretary-General's statement, which should pave the way for a fresh round of negotiations, would signal the end of this effort to find a negotiated settlement. Speaking after last night's negotiations, Beglitis said these were ''very hard negotiations with the Secretary-General's special adviser Alvaro de Soto'', pointing out that the Greek side negotiated in a positive way on the Secretary-General's statement. ''We want to be positive, to make any necessary contribution in order to resume the negotiations for the solution of the political problem of Cyprus,'' he added, disclosing that ''many positive alternative proposals concerning the role of the European Commission in the negotiating process we made'' by the Greek side. ''We will wait with the same attitude the new proposal of the Secretary-General, we will receive this proposal at 8.30 (local time)and we have time to respond by eleven o'clock,'' he explained. Beglitis said the Greek side is ready to work once again in a positive and fruitful way in order to find a solution on the SG's statement and help start the peace talks next week. Asked how close the sides got to an agreement, he said there is just one problem that needs to be settled and expressed regret because the Turkish side did not accept three alternative compromising proposals put forward by the Greek side, citing domestic problems in Turkey and concerns of the Turkish Cypriot side. ''We are ready to respond positively, if of course we will be satisfied from this statement,'' Beglitis stressed. Replying to questions, he said ''these negotiations continued in an atmosphere which demonstrates our common will to find a solution and resume negotiations, it was a hard night, not easy, but from our side we have made every possible gesture in order to find a solution.'' ''I think tomorrow (today) the problem will be solved, so from our side we will work in cooperation with Secretary-General in a positive very fruitful way,'' the spokesman said. Asked about the reaction from Annan, Britain and the US to the Greek Cypriot proposal for active EU involvement in the peace process, he said there was no reaction last night. ''We will wait tomorrow(today), we hope that Friday will be the last day if we find a solution on the Secretary-General's statement, we hope Friday is the last day, we hope to be ready to restart the negotiations next week,'' he added. Beglitis said in the early hours of Friday Papadopoulos and Greek Premier Costas Simitis had a telephone conversation. There was no comment about today's talks on the part of the UN. [10] Fischer postpones visit to Cyprus1300:CYPPRESS:11Fischer postpones visit to Cyprus Nicosia, Feb 13 (CNA) -- German Vice Chancellor and Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer has postponed a scheduled visit to Cyprus, due to have taken place on Tuesday, February 17. [11] Cyprus and Syria sign renewed Maritime Cooperation agreement1400:CYPPRESS:12Cyprus and Syria sign renewed Maritime Cooperation agreement [12] Commission says it is not seeking official role in Cyprus talks1500:CYPPRESS:13Commission says it is not seeking official role in Cyprus talks Brussels, Feb 13 (CNA) Ôhe European Commission clarified on Friday it was not pursuing an official role in Cyprus peace talks but would only assume such a role if it were acceptable to all sides. Commission enlargement spokesman Jean-Christophe Filori said in a statement the European Commission never required an official role in these talks. Obviously we would accept such a role, but only if all the parties agree, Reuters news agency quoted Filori as saying. He stressed however that this was never a condition for our assistance. [13] Cypriot sides anticipate UN draft1510:CYPPRESS:14Cypriot sides anticipate UN draft Nicosia, Feb 13 (CNA) -- As UN Secretary-General and his aides prepare the draft of a statement relating to next week's proposed resumption of Cyprus peace talks, it has emerged that the text will refer to the terms, timetables and the framework of the negotiations. The draft will be communicated to the Greek Cypriot and the Turkish Cypriot sides this afternoon and the sides are to reply within hours and inform the Secretary General whether they accept it or not. The text, up to two pages, will note that failure to reach agreement by 26 March at the talks in Nicosia, due to begin on Wednesday, 18 February, will lead to ''extended negotiations'' in a bid to reach a settlement. Annan has proposed the participation of Greece and Turkey. Athens has not consented to this proposal and the Greek Cypriot side has asked active participation on the part of the EU at all stages of the negotiations. Annan's proposed statement will refer to his role as arbitrator should the two sides fail to agree on certain issues. Annan will assume this role only if no agreement is reached at the extended talks. At this stage it is not clear how the Secretary General will communicate his draft to the two sides, nor has it become any clearer whether he expects the Greek and Turkish Cypriot sides to meet him at the UN seat at 1800 local time to convey to him their reply, which should be a mere yes or no. The text is essentially a ''framework agreement'' in the form of a press release. Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash are in New York at Annan's invitation for meetings with a view at finding a negotiated settlement by May 1 when Cyprus joins the European Union. According to informed sources at the UN seat, during last night's marathon talks on the 38th floor of the UN building in New York, the Greek Cypriot side raised two basic issues relating to Annan's procedural terms. The first concerns Annan's role as arbitrator. President Papadopoulos and the Greek delegation to the talks insisted that any solutions suggested by the Secretary General in his role as arbitrator should be on the basis of his peace plan. The same sources have noted that Denktash in his proposals to Annan and his outlook during the negotiations put forward many issues that were obviously outside the philosophy and the parameters of Annan's plan. The second relates to substantive presence and participation of the EU in the process of the talks. It was pointed out that the new state of affairs to emerge from a settlement should ''learn to operate'' within the principles, the procedures and the framework of the EU. The Union, it was argued, can provide technical assistance and know-how at the negotiations. The Greek Cypriot and the Greek delegations put forward creative alternative proposals that would benefit Greek and Turkish Cypriots alike. In fact some of the ideas were aimed at benefiting the Turkish Cypriots exclusively. [14] Weather and Temperatures for Cyprus
[15] Cyprus Stock Exchange
[16] UN chief presents sides with draft statement1645:CYPPRESS:17UN chief presents sides with draft statement by Apostolis Zoupaniotis United Nations, Feb 13 (CNA) - UN Secretary General Kofi Annan has presented the Greek Cypriot and the Turkish Cypriot side, currently in New York for talks to solve the Cyprus problem, with a draft statement, which according to sources contains a reference to a possible EU involvement. [17] Cyprus talks begin next week in Nicosia1815:CYPPRESS:20Cyprus talks begin next week in Nicosia by Apostolis Zoupaniotis United Nations, Feb 13 (CNA) - UN Secretary General Kofi Annan met today at UN headquarters with the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot sides. [18] Cypriot President satisfied with outcome of New York talks1840:CYPPRESS:21Cypriot President satisfied with outcome of New York talks by Apostolis Zoupaniotis United Nations, Feb 13 (CNA) - Cypriot President Tassos Papadopoulos said he was satisfied with the agreement achieved in New York to resume negotiations on the Cyprus problem in Nicosia under UN auspices. Speaking after three days of intense negotiations at UN headquarters between himself, UN Secretary General Kofi Annan and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash, the President said he hoped that this time the talks would lead to a positive outcome that could be put to referenda. The two sides have accepted Annan's statement on the procedure of the negotiations and talks to solve the Cyprus problem begin on February 19 in Nicosia. On departing from UN headquarters, having wrapped up a fourth joint meeting in as many days, President Papadopoulos said he was satisfied that ''we have achieved what we have been asking for over the past nine months, that is the resumption of negotiations under the UN Secretary General's auspices''. ''This time, the talks between the parties, with the assistance of Greece and Turkey, as well as the EU, I hope will lead us to a positive outcome to decide to put to referenda the solution that will emerge'', he said. Asked if he mentioned the issues the Greek Cypriot side wants changed in the twice-revised solution plan proposed by Annan, President Papadopoulos said ''this is in the context of the procedure to be followed''. Invited to say if the Cyprus problem would be solved, the President said ''there have been so many false hopes in the past so I wouldn't like to make any prediction''. He expressed hope that it will be solved. [19] Statement on Cyprus talks agreed by all parties1840:CYPPRESS:22United Nations, Feb 13 (CNA) - Herebelow the statement agreed by all parties after three days of talks at the UN, as read by Secretary General Kofi Annan: ''Negotiations resumed on 10th February at UN headquarters in New York between the two parties in Cyprus in my presence. Following three days of meetings and consultations, I am pleased to announce that the parties have committed to negotiating in good faith on the basis of my plan, to achieve a comprehensive settlement to the Cyprus problem through separate and simultaneous referenda before 1 May 2004. To this end, the parties will seek to agree on changes and to complete the plan in all respects by 22 March 2004 within the framework of my mission of good offices so as to produce a finalized text. In the absence of such an agreement, I would convene a meeting of the two sides with participation of Greece and Turkey in order to lend their collaboration in a concentrated effort to agree on a finalized text by 29 March. As a final resort, in the event of a continuing and persistent deadlock, the parties have invited me to use my discretion to finalize the text to be submitted to referenda on the basis of my plan. In addition, the parties have agreed on the other suggestions contained in my invitation of 4 February 2004. They have also decided to form a technical committee on economic and financial aspects of implementation, to be chaired by the UN. The guarantor powers have signified their commitment to this process and to meeting their obligations under it. I welcome these commitments, as well as the assurances by the EU to accommodate the settlement, and the offer of technical assistance by the European Commission. I look forward to drawing on this assistance as well as that of others in the course of the negotiations. The talks will reconvene in Cyprus on Thursday 19 February with direct meetings between the parties in the presence of my Special Advisor Alvaro de Soto. The technical committees on laws and treaties will reconvene on the same day. I commend the constructive spirit and the political will displayed by both parties as well as by Greece and Turkey to reach this agreement. All concerned now face historic responsibilities to bring about a just and lasting peace in Cyprus. [20] Alvaro de Soto: Cyprus solution with reach1945:CYPPRESS:23Alvaro de Soto: Cyprus solution within reach by Apostolis Zoupaniotis United Nations, Feb 13 (CNA) -- The solution of the question of Cyprus is within reach, Alvaro de Soto, the UN Secretary-General's special adviser on Cyprus, said here today after an announcement about the resumption of peace talks next week in Nicosia. Speaking at a press conference, de Soto said if the commitment shown by the parties involved is matched with the necessary determination and hard work, a settlement can be achieved. [21] Greece says New York decision justifies efforts1950:CYPPRESS:24Greece says New York decision justifies efforts by Christa Nicolaou Athens, Feb 13 (CNA) -- Greece's new Minister of Foreign Affairs Tasos Yiannitsis said today that developments in New York regarding the decision to resume the stalled talks on the Cyprus problem in Nicosia on February 19 justify the tough negotiating line maintained by the Cypriot leadership and Cypriot President Tassos Papadopoulos. Yiannitsis told a press conference in Athens that ''we are optimistic for a final solution to the Cyprus problem'', adding that the decisions taken on the UN Secretary-General's proposals was an historic opportunity to reach a settlement. He added that Athens and Nicosia gave a positive reply to UN chief Kofi Annan on his proposals and that their decision was unanimous. ''The tough and correct negotiating line we had with the Cypriot leadership and President Papadopoulos has been justified'', Yiannitsis said and thanked the Cypriot President for ''the successful conclusion of this process''. He pointed out that the agreement meant the Turkish side accepted Annan's solution plan as a basis for negotiations, a position Turkey and the Turkish Cypriots dismissed until the New York negotiations were well into the early hours of the morning, New York time. He explained that the procedure of solving the problem was no longer a part of the deadlock, and that on February 19 negotiations would begin on a political level, with the participation of the UN chief's Special Adviser on Cyprus Alvaro de Soto, with the committees meeting on a technical level. On March 22, Annan will discuss loose ends with the two sides and an effort will be made to reach a solution by March 29, with the contribution of Greece and Turkey. Then, the Secretary-General will have the discretion to finalise the text with his own proposals, ''so that referenda are held on both sides before May 1st'', when Cyprus joins the EU, he said. Yiannitsis pointed out that Athens and Nicosia would continue to cooperate in order to reach a just and viable settlement. [22] Simitis says New York agreement decisive turn for Cyprus1750:CYPPRESS:25Simitis says New York agreement decisive turn for Cyprus by Christa Nicolaou Athens, Feb 13 (CNA) - Greek Prime Minister Costas Simitis has described today's agreement in New York to resume stalled Cyprus talks on the basis of a twice-revised solution plan proposed by UN Secretary General Kofi Annan as ''a substantive and decisive turn for the final solution of the Cyprus problem''. In a written statement, Simitis says the agreement ''creates the conditions for a substantive negotiation in a context that excludes delays''. Referring to the Turkish Cypriot side, Simitis hopes ''it will negotiate in good faith this time''. ''I look forward especially to the expressed will of the EU to contribute to forming the final agreement'', Simitis adds. [23] European Commission welcomes resumption of Cyprus talks2000:CYPPRESS:26European Commission welcomes resumption of Cyprus talks by Nicos Bellos Brussels, Feb 13 (CNA) - The European Commission has welcomed the resumption of the negotiations on Cyprus on the basis of a twice-revised solution plan proposed by UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, describing it as an historical breakthrough. In a press release, the Commission ''welcomes the commitment made by the two parties in Cyprus to resume negotiations on the basis of the Annan plan''. Commission President Romano Prodi said ''the Commission considers that the chances for a comprehensive settlement have never been better'', adding that ''it would bring to an end a division that has been there already for too long''. ''There is no place for barbed wires, minefields and peacekeeping forces in the European Union'', he said. In its statement, the Commission describes the New York agreement to resume negotiations as an ''historical breakthrough'', which ''opens up the genuine prospect that a united Cyprus could join the EU on the 1st of May 2004''. [24] UN Secretary-General's statement on Cyprus (Full text)2035:CYPPRESS:27UN Secretary-General's statement on Cyprus (Full text) by Apostolis Zoupaniotis United Nations, Feb 13 (CNA) - Herebelow the opening statement of UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan and the statement agreed by all parties after three days of talks at the UN, as read by the Secretary-General: STATEMENT ON CYPRUS 13 February 2004 Good morning, ladies and gentlemen, or good evening to those of you watching in Cyprus. Indeed, I believe it is a very good evening for Cyprus. We have not yet solved the problem, but I really believe that, after forty years, a political settlement is at last in reach, provided both sides summon the necessary political will. In a moment, I will read you a statement which has been agreed with both parties, and with the governments of Greece and Turkey. But first let me congratulate both leaders, Mr. Papadopoulos and Mr. Denktash, on the courage and political will they have both shown in the last three days, which has allowed me to take the decision to resume negotiations next week. And let me also thank the governments of Greece and Turkey for the very constructive role they have both played. A lot of hard work is still needed, and there are still tough questions ahead. But if all concerned show the same courage and goodwill during the next three months that they have shown in the last three days, I believe there is now a real chance that, before the first of May, Cyprus will be reunited. Now let me read the statement. Negotiations resumed on 10 February at United Nations Headquarters in New York between the two parties in Cyprus, in my presence. Following three days of meetings and consultations, I am pleased to announce that the parties have committed to negotiating in good faith on the basis of my plan to achieve a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem through separate and simultaneous referenda before 1 May 2004. To this end, the parties will seek to agree on changes and to complete the plan in all respects by 22 March 2004, within the framework of my mission of good offices, so as to produce a finalized text. In the absence of such agreement, I would convene a meeting of the two sides, with the participation of Greece and Turkey in order to lend their collaboration, in a concentrated effort to agree on a finalized text by 29 March. As a final resort, in the event of a continuing and persistent deadlock, the parties have invited me to use my discretion to finalize the text to be submitted to referenda on the basis of my plan. In addition, the parties have agreed on the other suggestions contained in my invitation of 4 February 2004. They have also decided to form a technical committee on economic and financial aspects of implementation, to be chaired by the United Nations. The guarantor powers have signified their commitment to this process and to meeting their obligations under it. I welcome these commitments as well as the assurances of the European Union to accommodate a settlement and the offer of technical assistance by the European Commission. I look forward to drawing on this assistance as well as that of others in the course of the negotiations. The talks will re-convene in Cyprus on Thursday, 19 February, with direct meetings between the two parties in the presence of my Special Adviser, Alvaro de Soto. The technical committees on laws and treaties will re-convene on the same day. I commend the constructive spirit and political will displayed by both parties, as well as by Greece and Turkey, to reach this agreement. All concerned now face historic responsibilities to bring about a just and lasting peace in Cyprus. I wish them well, and look forward to working closely with them. Cyprus News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |
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