Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 08-12-05

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

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

CONTENTS

[01] GOVERNMENT CYPRUS TALKS

[02] PRESIDENT ALDE MEETING

[03] ARCHBISHOP PATRIARCH ALEXIOS

[04] IPAO CYPRUS MEETING

[01] GOVERNMENT CYPRUS TALKS

Invited to comment on a statement by Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat that no progress has been achieved so far at the peace talks, Stephanou said ``the process is in the hands of the two communities and the leaders of the two communities and it is their responsibility to proceed with the negotiations in order to achieve progress.

We should act in such a way as to reach a solution, we are not to blame for not achieving the progress we would have liked to have achieved, he said.

He added that if the positions of the Turkish Cypriot side serve the goal of a bizonal, bicommunal federation, then the negotiations can proceed faster and yield results.

``So far we are not as satisfied with the progress achieved as we would have liked, although the Greek Cypriot side goes to the negotiating table with absolutely reasonable positions and positions which serve the goal we have agreed together, Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots``, he stressed.

Stephanou explained that the agreed goal is a solution based on a bizonal, bicommunal federation with political equality as described in the relevant UN resolutions. The agreed solution is a federal state with a single sovereignty, one citizenship and one international personality.

The Spokesman added that if the positions of the other side serve this goal, then the negotiations can proceed faster and we can have much better results than today.

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] PRESIDENT ALDE MEETING

Speaking on behalf of the delegation, MEP Karin Resetarits said that ``we are here to learn about the progress of the peace talks and also we are here because we want to know from both sides what the EU could do to improve the situation and to help a reasonable and very quick solution to be found.``

Replying to questions, Resetarits said ``we heard Mr. Christofias` point of view and we are going to Mr. Talat in the afternoon.`` Asked if she believed there were prospects for a Cyprus settlement before the European elections, Resetarits said ``this is what we hope and also Mr. Christofias and I am sure also Mr. Talat is really concerned that this will happen before the elections in the European Parliament.``

[03] ARCHBISHOP PATRIARCH ALEXIOS

In a written statement, the Archbishop notes that Patriarch Alexios has been a loyal and true friend of Cyprus and a strong supporter of the rights of our people. He worked consciously for the spiritual progress of the Holy Church of Russia and the unity of Orthodoxy, he adds.

In his written statement, the Archbishop conveys his deepest condolences to the Church of Russia and the Christian Orthodox people of Russia.

[04] IPAO CYPRUS MEETING

The members of the IPAO, which has an international scope, are Orthodox members of the parliaments of Greece, Cyprus, the Baltic and the Balkan states, Russia, Central European and Caucasus countries, as well as of the USA, Australia, Africa and the Middle East.

During their stay in Cyprus, IPAO members will be received by President of the Republic of Cyprus Demetris Christofias and Acting President of the House of Representatives Christos Pourgourides.

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