Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 08-02-01

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

CONTENTS

[01] FM - CYPRUS ISSUE

[02] ESTONIA - KOSOVO

[01] FM - CYPRUS ISSUE

The Minister outlined this view to Estonian President, Toomas Henrik Ilves, saying that Turkey ``not only refuses to implement what was agreed in July 2006 but it also presses on with its provocative stance on Cyprus, trying to promote its policy for a two-state solution on the basis of two separate peoples and religions.``

According to an official press release, Marcoullis, on a working visit to Estonia, was received today by Ilves to whom she also reiterated Cyprus` principled position not to recognise a unilateral declaration of independence by Kosovo, since such a recognition would create a precedent in international relations and defy the role of the United Nations.

The Cypriot FM met Estonian Prime Minister Androus Ansip with whom she discussed developments in Cyprus, the situation in Kosovo, bilateral issues, as well as maters concerning the EU.

Referring to bilateral relations, Marcoullis pointed out the number of agreements concluded between Cyprus and Estonia, noting these provide the right framework to further enhance cooperation between the two countries in various fields, including tourism.

She noted that Cyprus can benefit from Estonia`s experience in the Shengen zone, while Estonia could benefit from Cyprus` experience in the euro area.

Earlier, Marcoullis met President of the Estonian Parliament`s European Affairs Committee Marko Mihkelson. The Cypriot FM briefed the Estonian official on the latest developments in the Cyprus problem, emphasizing the demographic change in the Turkish-occupied northern part of Cyprus and the presence of Turkish occupation troops there, as well as the humanitarian problem of the persons missing since the 1974 Turkish invasion.

``Turkey, as manifested by a number of European Court of Human Rights rulings, continues mass violations of human rights in Cyprus and at the same time it intensifies its hard stance on the Cyprus problem,`` she added.

Marcoullis met Estonia`s Orthodox Church Bishop Stephanos, with whom she discussed the destruction of the Cypriot cultural and religious heritage in the Turkish-occupied part of Cyprus.

Cyprus, an EU member-state since May 2004, has been divided since 1974 when Turkey invaded and occupied 37 per cent of its territory.

[02] ESTONIA - KOSOVO

Paet was speaking in a joint press conference in Tallinn with Cypriot Foreign Minister Erato Kozakou-Marcoullis, who reiterated that her country will not recognize the Kosovar UDI, since that would create a precedent in international relations and defy the role of the United Nations Security Council.

In his statements, Paet referred to Cyprus problem reiterating Estonia`s firm position for a comprehensive settlement which would reunify Cyprus and its people and would terminate the division of the island.

Replying to a question on Cyprus` position on Kosovo, Paet said that ``Cyprus` position is fully respected because the issue of recognition lies within the jurisdiction of every state.``

The Estonian FM also congratulated Cyprus` entry to the euro area as of January 1 and welcomed Cypriot government decision to open an embassy in Estonian in the near future.

On her part Marcoullis, who wrapped up a working visit to Tallin, referred to the Cyprus problem, stressing that the government main concern is the termination of the Turkish occupation of Cyprus and the reunification of the island in a federal Cyprus where the people could enjoy the benefit of EU accession. ``I am sure that this solution is achievable and Cyprus can reunite since this is the wish of the Cypriot people,`` she added.

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