Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 07-02-08

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

CONTENTS

[01] HOUSE PRESIDENT - CHINA

[01] HOUSE PRESIDENT - CHINA

The House President was also assured that China maintains its long-standing backing of the Republics territorial integrity and independence.

Christofias, who is on an official visit to China at the invitation of the Chairman of the National Peoples Congress (NPC) Wu Bangguo, met today in Beijing with the Minister of the International Department of the Communist Party Central Committee Wang Jiarui, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Dai Bingguo and the Vice Chairman of NPC Wang Zhanguo.

Wang Jiarui has given assurances that his country will continue to play a positive role in the efforts for a solution to the Cyprus problem through negotiations and through the implementation of Security Council resolutions for a just and comprehensive settlement, based on mutual understanding and trust between the Greek Cypriot and the Turkish Cypriots communities.

Wang said that a political settlement will not only be in the interest of the two communities but also in the interest of peace and stability in the region.

The House President thanked China for its firm support at the UN and other international fora as well as its assistance at difficult times for the country, such as after the 1974 Turkish invasion of Cyprus and the post-referendum period on a UN-proposed solution plan, which was rejected by the Greek Cypriots and approved by the Turkish Cypriots.

He said Cyprus and China share the same policies on international issues and added that Nicosia believes in one China, with one government.

Bilateral relations were also on the agenda of the meeting and both sides noted that relations are based on mutual respect and firm adherence to principles and respect of international law, the territorial integrity and the independence of countries.

The Chinese Minister said his country was also facing a problem with Taiwans secessionist tendencies, adding that Beijing will not tolerate such moves.

He thanked Cyprus for its support in relation to this issue.

Christofias also met with the Vice Chairman of the NPC Wang Zhanguo, who described Christofiass visit successful and said it will help enhance the already close relations of friendship and cooperation the two countries enjoy.

The two men reiterated the excellent bilateral ties and the support the two countries give each other.

Wang also referred to the excellent relations between the parliaments in Cyprus and China, noting that these can be strengthened even further.

Christofias thanked for the warm welcome and the support afforded to Cyprus by Beijing and added I feel good being with you.

Wang hosted a lunch in honour of his guest.

The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Dai Bingguo in a meeting with the House President reassured there will be no direct flights from China to the northern Turkish occupied part of Cyprus.

Dai described Christofias as a good friend of the Chinese people, noting that the meetings arranged for his official visit are at the highest possible political level, as the President of the Republic and the Foreign Minister are on visits abroad.

Dai reiterated Beijings full support in efforts to solve the Cyprus question, and wished for a speedy reunification of the country, divided since the 1974 Turkish invasion of Cyprus on the basis of a just and viable solution to the interest of both communities.

In his remarks, Christofias said the Deputy Minister was categorical: trust us, consider us a big friend of Cyprus, we are real friends. We shall continue to help you solve the Cyprus problem on the basis of UN resolution and international law.

The Chinese Deputy Minister, the House President said, emphasised his countrys support for the sovereignty and the territorial integrity of the Republic of Cyprus, pointing out that Beijing will not move away from this position.

Christofias and the Cypriot delegation has concluded its meetings in the Chinese capital and is now in Changaha, capital of Human district.

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