Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 05-09-18

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

CONTENTS

[01] Greek and Turkish Foreign Ministers discuss Cyprus problem

[02] Cyprus President expects some move by UNSG in the near future

[01] Greek and Turkish Foreign Ministers discuss Cyprus problem

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Greek and Turkish Foreign Ministers discuss Cyprus problem

by Apostolis Zoupaniotis

New York, Sep 18 (CNA) -- The Cyprus question was among issues discussed during a meeting here today between Foreign Ministers of Greece and Turkey, Petros Molyviatis and Abdullah Gul, respectively.

In statements after the meeting, Molyviatis said they discussed prospects for a possible renewed effort by the UN Secretary General for a Cyprus settlement.

[02] Cyprus President expects some move by UNSG in the near future

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Cyprus President expects some move by UNSG in the near future

by Maria Myles

New York, Sep 18 (CNA) -- Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos said here today he expects ''some move'' by UN Secretary General Kofi Annan ''in the near future'' with regard to a renewed peace initiative towards a negotiated settlement.

Speaking at a press conference after his address to the 60th session of the UN General Assembly, he said any such initiative must be well prepared to help ensure a successful outcome and any time limits to the talks must be dictated by their pace and any progress achieved and not by outside factors.

He said the European Union, which Cyprus joined last year, must have a more active involvement in a fresh peace effort and pointed out that he would not accept any solution that could lead to two separate states on the island, adding that Turkish troops must be withdrawn as part of a solution.

The President also pointed out that, unlike the period following the rejection of the latest UN solution plan by the Greek Cypriots in April 2004, now everybody appreciates that changes will have to be made to this plan, which at the time was described by various circles as ''uniquely balanced and fair.''

Asked by CNA if we are closer to the start of a new initiative, he said that UN efforts are not a one off exercise ''but a sustained effort being even now exercised in a number of ways, not necessarily by having the two sides sitting across the table and carrying on negotiations.''

He repeated that any new effort has to be very well prepared, adding that ''there should be a calculated prospect of an agreement being probably or within reach, as another failed effort would not be in the interest of anybody.''

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