Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 08-11-27

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

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

CONTENTS

[01] CYPRUS PRESIDENT - GREEK PM - TALKS

[02] BRITISH PM - CYPRUS QUESTION

[03] AGRICULTURE MINISTER - COMMISSION - SCRAPIE

[01] CYPRUS PRESIDENT - GREEK PM - TALKS

Karamanlis stressed that they have agreed that the direct negotiations must continue until the two sides agree on a comprehensive solution of the Cyprus problem. Christofias sent a clear message to every direction, that there is no plan B on the Cyprus problem, since for the Greek Cypriot side there is only plan A, namely the insistence on a solution.

Referring to recent Turkish provocations in the Exclusive Economic Zone of the Republic of Cyprus and the Aegean Sea, President Christofias said that it might be an attempt to force the Greek Cypriot away from the negotiating table, something which, as he clarified, we will not allow to happen.

Speaking after the meeting, Karamanlis noted that the direct negotiating process, that began in September this year, was the outcome of President Christofias initiatives, and reiterated that the framework of the solution is well known. It is the UN resolutions and the EU principles and values, he said, stressing that the agreed negotiating basis refers to a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation with political equality, a single international personality, single sovereignty and single citizenship.

Karamanlis underlined that any deviation from those principles contravenes the UN Security Council resolutions and challenges what has already been agreed. Despite the difficulties, we totally agree with President Christofias, that the negotiations should go on until the finding of a comprehensive and agreed solution.

The Greek Prime Minister reiterated that the process does not provide for strict timeframes or arbitration, and that the agreed solution will be put to referenda in both communities.

We fully support President Christofias initiatives, with lasting cooperation and complete coordination between the two governments. A coordination, which under the current circumstances becomes even tighter, he added.

Karamanlis stressed that the content of a solution concerns the European Union as well, noting that any deviations from the European acquis that might be agreed should be limited and temporary.

It is unthinkable, in an EU territory, outdated systems of guarantees and unilateral right for intervention to exist, he added.

Referring to the recent incident in the Cyprus Republics Exclusive Economic Zone, Karamanlis pointed out that such provocative actions are not helpful for the ongoing efforts. They cause serious concerns, he said.

President Christofias referred to the Greek governments and Prime Ministers great interest in the Cyprus problem and assured that the identity of views between the two governments is not just words. He also thanked Karamanlis for the support the Greek government regarding the handlings on the Cyprus issue.

This underlines the daily, coordinated and direct exchange of views and joint actions between Greece and Cyprus, President said, noting that the Greek Government is ready to provide Cyprus any kind of assistant, and scientific support.

With regard to the Cyprus issue, Christofias underlined the principles of the solution. The solution of the Cyprus problem should be an agreed one, should be based on the UN resolutions, on the High Level Agreements that provide for a bi-communal, bi-zonal federal state, on the political equality of the two communities in Cyprus, on the content of the federation as described and approved by the UN resolutions, on the European and international law, he said.

Saying that the solution is a matter for the Cypriots themselves, Christofias noted that the Turkish Cypriot leader is guided and directed by Turkey.

Our response to that is the increasing and close cooperation between two independent and sovereign states, Greece and Cyprus. This must be understood by everyone, he added.

Commenting on the Turkish provocations at sea, within Cyprus exclusive economic zone and in the Aegean Sea, President Christofias stressed that the Republic of Cyprus will defend its sovereign rights, and pointed out that there is no other option than to remain at the negotiatings table and insist on finding a solution. The Plan B for us is the Plan A, he said, explaining that the Republic of Cyprus will insist on the dialogue between the two sides.

Replying to a question whether the defence pact between Greece and Cyprus is still alive, the Prime Minister of Greece pointed out that the doctrine still exists.

Of course it is alive, in the sense that the cooperation always has been close, and will continue to be close. As President Christofias said, we are two independent states that maintain close ties and close cooperation in all the areas. And this has been the case, and will continue to be, Karamanlis concluded.

Cypriot President Demetris Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat began last September direct negotiations with a view to reunify Cyprus, which has been divided since 1974, when Turkish troops invaded and occupied one third of the islands territory.

[02] BRITISH PM - CYPRUS QUESTION

Browns assurances were given during a meeting he had with the President of the World Federation of Overseas Cypriots Haris Sophoklides and the National Federation of Cypriots in the UK Peter Droushiotis.

The British Prime Minister said that negotiations on the Cyprus question are difficult but he himself and his government are at the disposal of President Christofias to help so that negotiations have a positive outcome.

[03] AGRICULTURE MINISTER - COMMISSION - SCRAPIE

We are certainly not fully satisfied with the European Commission decision, Polyneikis said, noting that Cyprus disagreement was expressed by our abstention and the clarifications we provided.

Polyneikis said that in spite of the disagreement regarding the timeframe within which the slaughter of the animals has to take place, the decision not to impose an embargo on milk and dairy products is a very positive development.

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