Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 07-03-25

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

CONTENTS

[01] EU - BERLIN DECLARATION

[02] EPP - DECLARATION - EU INTEGRATION

[03] PAPADOPOULOS - JULY AGREEMENT

[01] EU - BERLIN DECLARATION

Present at a special ceremony, hosted by the German government to mark 50 years since the signing of the Treaties of Rome, were heads of state or government of the 27 member states, including Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos.

The Berlin Declaration pays tribute to the progress Europe has achieved over the past 50 years, notes that the European Union is more than just a common economic space and adds that it is also a community of shared values. This foundation of shared values and common outlook on life is crucial if Europe as a political entity is to remain able to act.

The Berlin Declaration reaffirms the fundamental values that unite people across the European Union. The Declaration also addresses the tasks ahead, the challenges of the 21st century that Europe can tackle successfully only by a united effort.

The full text of the Berlin Declaration is as follows:

``For centuries Europe has been an idea, holding out hope of peace and understanding. That hope has been fulfilled. European unification has made peace and prosperity possible. It has brought about a sense of community and overcome differences.

Each Member State has helped to unite Europe and to strengthen democracy and the rule of law. Thanks to the yearning for freedom ofthe peoples of Central and Eastern Europe the unnatural division of Europe is now consigned to the past. European integration shows that we have learnt the painful lessons of a history marked by bloody conflict. Today we live together as was never possible before.

We, the citizens of the European Union, have united for the better.

I.

In the European Union, we are turning our common ideals into reality: for us, the individual is paramount. His dignity is inviolable. His rights are inalienable. Women and men enjoy equal rights.

We are striving for peace and freedom, for democracy and the rule of law, for mutual respect and shared responsibility, for prosperity and security, for tolerance and participation, for justice and solidarity.

We have a unique way of living and working together in the European Union. This is expressed through the democratic interaction of the Member States and the European institutions. The European Union is founded on equal rights and mutually supportive cooperation. This enables us to strike a fair balance between Member States` interests.

We preserve in the European Union the identities and diverse traditions of its Member States.

We are enriched by open borders and a lively variety of languages, cultures and regions. There are many goals which we cannot achieve on our own, but only in concert. Tasks are shared between the European Union, the Member States and their regions and local authorities.

II.

We are facing major challenges which do not stop at national borders. The European Union is our response to these challenges. Only together can we continue to preserve our ideal of European society in future for the good of all European Union citizens. This European model combines economic success and social responsibility.

The common market and the euro make us strong. We can thus shape the increasing interdependence of the global economy and evergrowing competition on international markets according to our values. Europe`s wealth lies in the knowledge and ability of its people; that is the key to growth, employment and social cohesion.

We will fight terrorism, organised crime and illegal immigration together. We stand up for liberties and civil rights also in the struggle against those who oppose them. Racism and xenophobia must never again be given any rein.

We are committed to the peaceful resolution of conflicts in the world and to ensuring that people do not become victims of war, terrorism and violence. The European Union wants to promote freedom and development in the world. We want to drive back poverty, hunger and disease. We want to continue to take a leading role in that fight.

We intend jointly to lead the way in energy policy and climate protection and make our contribution to averting the global threat of climate change.

III.

The European Union will continue to thrive both on openness and on the will of its Member States to consolidate the Union`s internal development. The European Union will continue to promote democracy, stability and prosperity beyond its borders.

With European unification a dream of earlier generations has become a reality. Our history reminds us that we must protect this for the good of future generations. For that reason we must always renew the political shape of Europe in keeping with the times.

That is why today, 50 years after the signing of the Treaties of Rome, we are united in our aim of placing the European Union on a renewed common basis before the European Parliament elections in 2009.

For we know, Europe is our common future.``

[02] EPP - DECLARATION - EU INTEGRATION

Democratic Rally leader Nicos Anastasiades participated in the meeting and expressed satisfaction with the final declaration.

EPP leaders make note that the meeting took place within sight of the Brandenburg Gate, long the symbol of the painful division of Europe and now, since the fall of the Iron Curtain, the symbol of reunification to celebrate the signature of the Treaty of Rome, the Founders of the European Union and the success of this historical project. We are convinced that the European Union represents the best response to the great challenges of the 21st Century - globalisation, the threat to our security, and the preservation of our well-being, the EPP notes and expresses its commitment to a strong Europe based on subsidiarity and cultural diversity.

It expresses its wish for a Europe of Citizens, concentrating on the essential tasks, in the interests of all member states and notes that European integration has been greatly advanced by the European Single Market, the Euro, and the Schengen Agreement. We wish to continue this process of development with the participation of all members of the European Union. We decisively object to any proposals that attempt to transform the Union into a Free Trade Zone, the EPP adds. In view of the recent enlargement of the European Union, the EPP leaders stress that we now have to enhance its capacity to act, strengthen solidarity between the Member States and to reduce bureaucracy. The European Union needs more democracy, transparency and efficiency. For the 2009 European elections, we want to show to the citizens that we have been able to achieve these goals.

[03] PAPADOPOULOS - JULY AGREEMENT

In statements to the press, President Papadopoulos described as a ``sad development`` the postponement of a scheduled meeting of the representatives of the leaders of the two Cypriot communities, due to have taken place earlier this week as part of discussions for the implementation of the 8th of July agreement. ``At least this time it is clear where the difficulties lie,`` he noted.

Responding to a question about the implementation of the agreement, President Papadopoulos said ``the process which started a long time ago is not yet completed`` and expressed hope ``for wiser thoughts to prevail`` and moves towards the first necessary step for the resumption of talks. ``I believe``, he said, ``this regretful development as well as other developments show how correct our stance is, because if any talks are to succeed, we have to prepare the ground as the United States have suggested, something we support wholeheartedly.``

On opportunities given to the Turkish Cypriot side, the Cypriot President had this to say: ``As many as necessary. This is not a question of how many times we wish to submit alternative proposals. It is a question of what room there is (to effect implementation) and the limits have been exhausted.`` ``Any other procedural suggestion on our part, essentially targets either the neutralization or the cancellation of July agreement, which we believe is a good chance, a good process for substantive negotiations,`` he stressed.

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