Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 08-09-26

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

CONTENTS

[01] US AMBASSADOR - CYPRUS QUESTION

[02] CYPRUS PRESIDENT - PASOK PRESIDENT

[03] CYPRUS ACTING PRESIDENT - FRENCH SENATORS

[04] CYPRUS FM - CUBA

[01] US AMBASSADOR - CYPRUS QUESTION

The US Ambassador, who met Friday President of the Social-Democrats Movement (EDEK) Yiannakis Omirou, said that the US is very encouraged by the process which began in September between the leaders of the two communities in Cyprus, aiming at reunifying Cyprus, which has been divided since the Turkish invasion of 1974.

I was able to confirm that the United States is committed to finding a solution with you and to supporting the efforts of your leadership to find a lasting, permanent solution to this problem, he said.

Asked about his opinion regarding the new Cyprus process, he said that the US is very encouraged by the process.

We are very encouraged. Your two leaders have been extremely forwardly and have put their own reputations on the line to find a solution and that is a recipe that we are very determined to support with the full way force that we have, he said.

The US Ambassador clarified that his country is not leading those negotiations but we are of course members of the UN Security Council and we will continue to monitor them and to find ways that we can contribute to a positive solution.

He thanked Omirou for receiving him in this part of my round of talks with the leaders on the island to come to understand in a better way how my country can contribute to the peace process which the two leaders have had very courageously brought about.

Urbancic said that EDEK President was quite emphatic and clear in his views, adding I approve those views and I appreciate them very much.

Invited to comment on Turkish positions which are not in line with UNSC resolutions, he said that the leaders have already decided to take on all of these issues and they are doing it directly in negotiations, which are taking place under the auspices of the United Nations.

We think that thats the appropriate place and when we get to the point where the question you raise needs to be addressed, we will certainly contribute everything that we can, he added.

Asked whether the US has any concerns regarding the Turkish positions, the US Ambassador said the whole thing is a concern, but your leadership is right where they needed to be so I think Ill just be out of line if I started talking about their issues.

In his statements, Omirou described the meeting as very interesting and said he expressed his concern regarding the Turkish sides position to support a virgin birth during the negotiations, that is, the establishment of a new state consisting of two existing states or state entities.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third.

A fresh attempt to reach a solution of the Cyprus problem began this September when the leaders of the two communities in Cyprus, Cypriot President Demetris Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat, began substantive negotiations with a view to reunify Cyprus.

[02] CYPRUS PRESIDENT - PASOK PRESIDENT

Papandreou is in New York in his capacity as President of Socialist International.

Christofias said that he briefed him on the latest developments in the Cyprus question and they reaffirmed their joint positions of principle that the Cyprus question is essentially an issue of invasion and occupation and that it must be solved through peaceful means.

[03] CYPRUS ACTING PRESIDENT - FRENCH SENATORS

According to an official press release, Garoyian informed the delegation about the latest developments regarding the Cyprus issue and the substantive negotiations which began this month between the leaders of the two communities in Cyprus with a view to reunite the island, divided since the Turkish invasion of 1974.

The French delegation comprises Chairman of the Friendship Group Andre Rouviere and Senator Gerard Roujas.

[04] CYPRUS FM - CUBA

Kyprianou, who will go to Cuba from New York, will have a meeting with the Foreign Minister of Cuba Felipe Perez Roque.

During their talks they will discuss bilateral relations, the Cyprus question and relations between EU and Cuba.

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