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Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 06-06-19Cyprus News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Cyprus News Agency at <http://www.cyna.org.cy>CONTENTS
[01] CYPRIOT FM BRUSSELSForeign Minister George Lillikas has said that the main aim of the Republic of Cyprus is to promote a solution of the Cyprus issue, adding that the government of Cyprus is working hard to ensure that Turkey fulfills its obligations towards the European Union and thus towards the Republic of Cyprus itself.Speaking to the press prior to his departure to Brussels, Lillikas said that the Republic of Cyprus is making efforts so that Turkey meets, before this October, its EU obligations in order to create better circumstances for the solution of the Cyprus problem. If Turkey does not meet its obligations by October when the European Commission will issue its annual report on Turkey, then we should expect by our EU partners and the Commission, strictness in the report, he noted. On Tuesday Lillikas will have separate meetings in Brussels with EU Commissioner for Enlargement Oli Rehn, Commissioner for Health and Consumer Protection Marcos Kyprianou, as well as with EU High Commissioner for External Policy, Xavier Solana. The issues to be discussed at tomorrows meeting with Rehn will include the Cyprus problem, the implementation of the financial protocol for the Turkish Cypriot community, the Euro Turkish relations, as well as the promotion of direct trade based on the decision of the Council of the European Union regarding the opening of the Turkish occupied port of Famagusta and the return of the fenced area of Varosha to its lawful inhabitants. During the meeting with Solana, the Cypriot Minister will exchange views on issues regarding the European defense and security policy as well as the participation of Cyprus at various EU missions. In Brussels, the Cypriot Minister will also give a lecture at a `think tank` on the Cyprus issue. Our aim is not to cancel Turkeys EU accession course, or to take measures against Turkey. Our main aim is to promote the solution of the Cyprus problem. We aim and work hard to persuade all who are interested, to help achieve a smooth EU course for Turkey so that it takes all those measures that would help her continue its EU course, Lillikas said. Answering questions, Lillikas refuted allegations in the Greek press that there is a crisis in the relations between the governments of Cyprus and Greece, saying that relations are harmonious and their cooperation is excellent. There is no change in Greek policy regarding Cyprus, he said, adding that the common aim is to achieve a European solution of the Cyprus issue. [02] SPOKESMAN TALATTurkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat cannot choose which issues will be discussed at the technical committees, Cyprus Government Spokesman Christodoulos Pashiardes said here today, invited to comment a statement by Talat that he is ready to discuss about the disengagement of forces and demining.Pashiardes said that what has been agreed at the meeting in Paris, last February, between UN Secretary General Kofi Annan and Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos was «explicit and clear: discussion of the so called every day issues, with a parallel discussion of issues of substance, with a view to prepare the ground and pave the way for substantive talks at the political level. [03] CYPRUS OCCUPIED AREAS COMMITTEEThe Cyprus government said here today that the so called committee for compensation and restoration of the Greek Cypriot property set up by the puppet regime in Cyprus Turkish occupied areas consists an illegal mechanism, which provides compensations and not a full recovery of the properties and residences of the displaced persons.Foreign Minister George Lillikas, invited to comment press reports that the so-called committee has decided about the compensations that will be given to a number of Greek Cypriot refugees, noted that the government considers this committee as an illegal mechanism and that according to the European Court of Human Rights and other European institutions decisions the regime in the occupied areas is considered to be subordinate to Ankara and that is why Turkey is judged at the European Court and not the puppet regime. On his part, Government Spokesman Christodoulos Pashiardes said that the Cyprus government fully respects the inalienable individual right of its citizens, but it primarily respects and takes into consideration the broader national interest, which can be served only through a right settlement of the Cyprus question. [04] CYPRUS - UN RESOLUTIONThe Cyprus government regards the UN Security Council Resolution to renew UNFICYP`s (UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus) mandate as a positive one, despite the fact that the resolution does not adequately cover the serious security problems created as a result of the anomalous situation, caused by the continued Turkish military occupation of the northern part of Cyprus.According to an official statement, ``the Cyprus government notes the fact that the Security Council urges progress towards the resumption of negotiations for a comprehensive settlement and reaffirms its commitment and determination to work to this end.`` Cyprus News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |