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

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

CONTENTS

[01] CYPRIOT PRESIDENT - SARBANES - BRADEMAS - HONOUR

[02] CYPRUS PRESIDENT - ARCHBISHOP OF AMERICA

[03] US EMBASSY - SENIOR DIPLOMAT`S DEATH

[04] MARTENS - CYPRUS - MIDDLE EAST OBSERVATORY

[01] CYPRIOT PRESIDENT - SARBANES - BRADEMAS - HONOUR

As he addressed the two men Tuesday, the President stressed that only a solution based on UN resolutions and European Union law can secure a permanent, viable and stable political settlement in Cyprus, which is not tailor-made to the satisfaction of outside parties.

Papadopoulos paid tribute to two long-standing and unwavering supporters of the people of the whole of Cyprus, Senator Paul Sarbanes and Congressman John Brademas, as he bestowed on them the Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios II at a special ceremony at the Presidential Palace.

I can think of no other two people who have done more for the nurturing of closer bonds between the people of Cyprus and the United States of America. I have always held the view and have declared on several public occasions that the first loyalty of Americans of Greek origin is to their host country, the United States of America, the President said.

However, when the best interests of the United States and the rules of international law and practice are not incompatible with the special interests of Greece and of Cyprus, Papadopoulos said, we hope and expect that they will lean towards and publicly remember their ethnic roots.

Both gentlemen have admirably honoured these principles, the President stressed.

For all these reasons, the Government of the Republic of Cyprus has decided to pay tribute to their life-long commitment to the Rule of Law, justice for Cyprus, for the condemnation of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus, for the end of the occupation of Cyprus soil by Turkish troops, for the end of the massive violations of human rights in Cyprus by Turkey and for promoting a just, functional and lasting solution to the Cyprus issue, the Cypriot President added.

This last notion, he pointed out, forms the cornerstone of their support towards Cyprus. Both men have for many years advocated a just solution to the Cyprus problem, not only because it is a Hellenic issue but because it is essentially a rule of law and human rights issue, under United States law.

Only a solution based on the relevant Security Council Resolutions and in accordance with the principles of international law, as well as the acquis communautaire of the European Union can secure a permanent, viable and stable solution, which will benefit all Cypriots. Such a solution, which is not tailor-made for the satisfaction of outside parties, will enhance the stability of the Eastern Mediterranean and is conducive to the interests of the United States, he stressed.

President Papadopoulos said tonights honourees have been exceptional leaders of the Greek-American Community. I would be remiss if I did not dedicate a few words to the Hellenic diaspora in the United States.

President Papadopoulos conveyed his sincere appreciation to President of the Cyprus Federation of America Panikos Papanicolaou, who attended the ceremony and welcomed again to Cyprus the spiritual leader of the community, his Eminence Archbishop of America Demetrios and to thank him for his efforts to stop the pillage and destruction of Cyprus religious and cultural heritage in the occupied area.

[02] CYPRUS PRESIDENT - ARCHBISHOP OF AMERICA

Speaking after a meeting with Cypriot President Tassos Papadopoulos, Demetrios said that we are engaged in a continuous struggle to help achieve as soon as possible the settlement we want which would bring justice and respect of human rights in Cyprus, as well as allow the people here to live in freedom just as the whole world does.

He said that Cypriots living in the US are very dynamic and active as members of the Orthodox Church and Hellenism in the US and are also engaged in constant efforts to promote a Cyprus settlement through US policies, that would reunite the island, divided since the 1974 Turkish invasion.

[03] US EMBASSY - SENIOR DIPLOMAT`S DEATH

A statement issued by the embassy said that at this point in the investigation, it is now clear that Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Mooneys death was a personal tragedy with no political or security implications.

[04] MARTENS - CYPRUS - MIDDLE EAST OBSERVATORY

The announcement will be made at a joint press conference with Democratic Rally (DISI) leader Nicos Anastasiades. DISI, the main opposition right-wing party, will operate the Observatory.

The aim of the Observatory is to monitor the political, economic, social and environmental situation in the Middle East area, to promptly inform parties and EPP Euro MPs and to contribute to an effective European policy in the Middle East.

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