Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 07-06-12

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

CONTENTS

[01] PRESIDENT OF MALTA - CYPRUS QUESTION - RELATIONS WITH CYPRUS

[02] PAPADOPOULOS - CYPRUS QUESTION

[01] PRESIDENT OF MALTA - CYPRUS QUESTION - RELATIONS WITH CYPRUS

The Maltese President noted that it was clear to him that patience, dedication and political will on all sides are required to overcome the legacy of the division of the island, noting that dialogue is essential and the role of the UN central.

Adami stressed that Malta and Cyprus share a strong affinity embedded in the rich history and geography of the two countries.

We are two island nations on the fringes of Europe. We are surrounded by the same sea, a geographical factor that has both characterized and shaped our history. In recent history, both our countries served as strategic naval outposts of the British Empire, reached independence practically at the same time and became members of the European Union on the same wave of enlargement, he said.

He noted that the two countries accession to the EU has enriched their relations with a newer dimension, adding that for Malta membership of the EU is important politically, economically and culturally.

Adami also said that EU membership has not meant giving up our national identities. He also noted that Malta and Cyprus are not only defined by their membership of the European Union, but by their geographical realities as Mediterranean States active within the European Union.

Malta and Cyprus are both active participants in the EU`s neighbourhood policy. Our own region, the Mediterranean, is an important cooperation region. Our commitment to, and understanding of, the Mediterranean region, enables us to make a positive contribution to the formulation of European positions, he said.

He underlined that the support of the citizens of Europe is essential for the success of the integration process.

The EU must be credible in the eyes of its citizens, and such credibility can only be achieved if they feel its positive impact in their lives. Both our countries have ratified the Constitutional Treaty. Malta looks forward to a positive outcome of the discussions at the level of Heads of State or Government on the new treaty for the European Union at the European Council later this month. In this regard, Malta will work towards a consensus among all Member States for the benefit of the Union and all its peoples, he pledged.

Adami stressed that the future of the EU represents a great challenge for Europe and for both our countries. Although the threat of a conventional war has diminished in our continent thanks to a great extent to European integration new challenges with multiple dimensions keep cropping up.

As regards the Cyprus problem, Adami said that Malta was disappointed that the desired accession of a united Cyprus to the Union on 1st May 2004 did not prove possible adding that it is clear to him that patience, dedication and political will on all sides are required to overcome the legacy of division.

Furthermore he acknowledged the tireless efforts of President Papadopoulos in search for a settlement.

Adami said that his visit to Cyprus enhances the two countries relations and their common determination to strengthen bonds of cooperation, trade, investment, cultural exchanges and interpersonal contacts, expressing hope that Maltese and Cypriot businessmen will have plenty new ideas and make new contacts as a result of these visits.

[02] PAPADOPOULOS - CYPRUS QUESTION

``For us, the government and the Cypriots, the solution of the Cyprus problem, the real reunification of the island, is an absolute priority, a matter of extreme urgency, because the passing of time works, unfortunately, in favour of the perpetuation of the division,`` Papadopoulos said addressing the state banquet in honour of President of the Republic of Malta, Edward Fenech-Adami.

He stressed that ``our aim remains to reach, without delay, a mutually acceptable solution, through negotiations, under the auspices of the UN, on the basis of a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation, which will safeguard the true reunification of Cyprus, its territory, people, economy and institutions.``

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