Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 08-09-03

Cyprus News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

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

CONTENTS

[01] CHRISTOFIAS - CYPRUS TALKS

[02] BAKOYIANNIS - CYPRUS TALKS

[03] COE - CYPRUS TALKS

[01] CHRISTOFIAS - CYPRUS TALKS

In additional comments beyond what the President had said in his public statement, Christofias points out that on 21 March 2008 we decided to start the preparatory process by establishing a number of working groups and technical committees. Our representatives worked out their titles and agendas and the groups and committees started their work.

As I have stated during the assessment we undertook in our previous meeting, the President says, convergence has been achieved in some areas whereas diverging views were identified in several others. However, there are issues we were unable to agree even on setting up a Working Group and we allowed the process to continue provided the problem would be revisited.

``I am referring to the issue of settlers included in the Working Group Citizenship, Aliens, Immigration and Asylum which has not been set up and which must be thoroughly discussed during this phase. Several other important issues such as properties and territory have not been adequately examined and many topics from all Working Groups remain outstanding``, he adds.

I also regret, he says, that the opening of Limnitis has not yet been realised, despite reference to its opening in our statements of 21 March, 23 May and 25 July 2008.

``Moreover the recent negative reply for the crossing of the people of Kato Pyrgos for the pilgrimage to Ayios Mamas falls short of the spirit of good faith which should have prevailed, in view of the start of full fledged negotiations and failed to respond to our good will gestures as manifested through the unhindered crossing of the Turkish Cypriots to Kokkina. Regretfully, these events have poisoned the good climate needed among us, as well as among ordinary people, which is essential for the process to move ahead and succeeded``, he points out.

``Allow me to stress here, in the presence of the Secretary General`s Special Adviser, that a solution based on a bizonal, bicommunal federation was a major concession made by President Makarios in 1977, and due credit should be given to this concession``, he notes.

I wish to be clear from the beginning of this process: with this concession, the Greek Cypriot side has exhausted its limits and can not go any further. Neither confederation, nor a new partnership of two states through virgin birth can be accepted. The federal solution will be a partnership of the two communities, the President stresses.

Turning to you, my comrade and friend Mehmet-Ali, he adds in his additional comments, we have fought during difficult times for many years for the same ideals of peace and rapprochement, a solution based on principles, a solution by the Cypriots, for the Cypriots.

``The time has come for us to take joint action and to respond to the call of history; to realize the vision of a reunified homeland, belonging to its people, to the people of Cyprus, able and wanting to decide their own destiny, without third parties, and so-called guardians of our communities``, he adds.

On my part, I wish to reiterate my commitment to do the utmost for the realisation of this target of life to give to the future generations the opportunity to live in a peaceful and reunified homeland, he concludes.

The Presidents statements were made on the start of negotiations between himself and the leader of the Turkish Cypriot community, Mehmet Ali Talat, with a view to reunite Cyprus, which has been divided since the 1974 Turkish invasion and continuing occupation of the islands northern part.

[02] BAKOYIANNIS - CYPRUS TALKS

The Minister reiterated Wednesday her countrys support for a just, viable and functional solution in Cyprus to reunite the country under a federal roof.

In a statement on the occasion of todays commencement of direct negotiations between the leaders of the two communities in Cyprus, President Demetris Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat, the Greek Foreign Minister expresses hope that Turkey and the Turkish Cypriot side f a c e this new process with the necessary political will.

With todays meeting between President of the Republic of Cyprus Demetris Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat a new effort begins in the UN framework to reach a solution of the Cyprus problem, Bakoyiannis notes.

She adds that the Cyprus problem is an issue of invasion and occupation of a territory of an independent country, member of the UN and the EU, a problem which remains unresolved for thirty four years now.

Bakoyiannis expresses hope that Turkey and the Turkish Cypriot side f a c e this new process with the necessary political will, with moderation and constructive stance so that this effort has a good outcome for the restoration of justice in Cyprus and the end of the division and the reunification of the island.

She reiterates Greeces support towards this new effort for a just, viable and functional solution in the framework of a bizonal, bicommunal federation, with one sovereignty, one nationality and one international personality, according to UN Security Council resolutions and EU principles.

[03] COE - CYPRUS TALKS

According to a press release, issued by the Council of Europe, Hoerster expressed the view that direct negotiations launched Wednesday between the leaders of the two communities in Cyprus, Cypriot President Demetris Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat, represent the best opportunity in many years to end the division of Cyprus``.

Hoerster noted that during the process difficult compromises will have to be found.

``Difficult compromises will have to be found, but I urge both sides to continue showing the political will and determination that will be needed for success,`` he continued.

The German Parliamentarian assured that the ``the Council of Europe is ready to help, including with measures to build confidence between the two communities.

The people of Cyprus have been divided for too long, Hoerst noted, adding that this opportunity must not be wasted.

In the press release it is recalled that Cypriot President Demetris Christofias will address PACE at its autumn session in Strasbourg (29 September-3 October), while Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat will also address the Assembly when it debates Hoerster`s report on the situation in Cyprus.

Cyprus News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article