Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 08-11-30

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

CONTENTS

[01] SPOKESMAN - CYPRUS QUESTION

[02] CYPRUS PRESIDENT - GREEN PARTIES REPRESENTATIVES

[03] SPOKESMAN - CYPRUS EEZ - EXPLORATORY SURVEYS

[04] EU EDUCATION COMMISSIONER - CYPRUS

[01] SPOKESMAN - CYPRUS QUESTION

He added that the Cyprus government is firmly committed to this goal and is doing everything in its power to facilitate its achievement.

Addressing a Conference of European and Mediterranean Green Parties, organized by the European Green Party in cooperation with Cyprus Green Party, Stephanou said that the positions put forward by the two sides in the framework of the ongoing negotiations must serve the goal of the establishment of a state that is truly federal, bizonal and bicommunal, with one international personality, one sovereignty and one people, the Cypriot people the ethnic components of which are Greek, Turkish, Armenian, Maronite and Latin.

He stressed that the solution must be truly Cypriot and not one given by any outside powers or interested parties but one that will safeguard the rights of the whole of the people of Cyprus and ensure that the final result is a truly reunified common homeland.

It is only in this way that the long suffering Cypriots, whatever their ethnic origin, will feel safe again and will be able to have the kind of normal life which the rest of Europe seems to take for granted but which has evaded us for far too long, he added.

Our Government is unwavering committed to achieving a fair and workable solution which will reunite the country and its people in conditions of peace, security and prosperity. The EU as our wider family with which we share common values, goals and aspirations is well placed to play a significant role in this effort by exerting its influence in the process of Turkeys accession to ensure that the European values and principles, the European acquis, international law, human rights and the obligations of Turkey vis a vis Cyprus and the EU as a whole are met, Stephanou noted.

Stephanou said that the aim is to reunite our homeland and allow it to function normally for the benefit of all its citizens and not to create a new partnership which would be an experiment with unforeseen consequences.

Referring to Turkeys EU accession course, Stephanou said that despite the fact that Cyprus is in favour of Turkeys accession to the EU, it will not consent to an accession a la carte for Turkey. Like every other successful candidate, Turkey will have to fulfill all its obligations towards the EU and towards every individual member state including Cyprus, he said, adding that this is something that unfortunately is still a long way from being accomplished.

Turkey has to understand that she cannot stand outside law and morality and that the same rules apply in her case, as have applied in the accession of all other candidate countries. It must be made crystal clear that Turkey cannot accede to the EU while violating political and human rights both at home and in Cyprus, and while she defies the basic principles and values on which the EU rests not to mention the European acquis, he added.

He stressed that in the framework of the process of Turkish accession negotiations, the EU would be offering a good service to all concerned, not least to Turkey herself, in making this position clear to Turkey, and attempting to persuade her that it is as much for her own benefit that the Cyprus problem be resolved as it is for the benefit of the Cypriots and the Europeans in general.

Stephanou said that that the Cyprus solution need not be a zero sum game but it has all the makings of a genuine win-win situation. All it requires is for Turkey to stop living in the past and join us and the rest of Europe in the 21st century.

He added that Cyprus after the solution could truly be a bridge of peace and cooperation between Europe and the countries of the Middle East and the wider region.

[02] CYPRUS PRESIDENT - GREEN PARTIES REPRESENTATIVES

The representatives of the Green parties are currently in Cyprus to attend a Conference organized by the European Green Party in cooperation with Cyprus Green Party. In statements after the meeting, deputy of the Greek party of Belgium and President of the French-Speaking Brussels Parliament Christos Doulkeridis said it was very important for Greens from the Mediterranean and European countries to come to Cyprus, which is playing an important role for the cooperation between these countries.

[03] SPOKESMAN - CYPRUS EEZ - EXPLORATORY SURVEYS

Referring to recent Turkish obstructions against a vessel, which was conducting an exploratory survey for hydrocarbon reserves within Cyprus EEZ, Stephanou recalled that Cyprus has made representations to the UN and the EU, and stressed that the Republic of Cyprus and its government are determined to defend the sovereign rights of the country.

[04] EU EDUCATION COMMISSIONER - CYPRUS

An official press release issued here said that the visit is paid in the framework of events organized to mark the closing of the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue 2008.

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