Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 09-01-05

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

CONTENTS

[01] CHRISTOFIAS - TALAT - MEETING

[02] SPOKESMAN - CYPRUS PROBLEM

[03] CYPRUS - GAZA - AID

[04] DOCTORS - AID - GAZA

[01] CHRISTOFIAS - TALAT - MEETING

President of the Republic of Cyprus Demetris Christofias and leader of the Turkish Cypriot community Mehmet Ali Talat are holding their 14th meeting, during which they will discuss chapters concerning the hierarchy of norms and other constitutional matters.

During their last meeting, December 22, the two leaders issued a joint statement saying that although some progress had been made in their discussions, which aim at reaching a solution of the Cyprus problem, this has been insufficient.

However, they reaffirmed their commitment to do everything in their power to reach a settlement as soon as possible.

In their joint statement, the two leaders also said that as we are entering a new year, we the two leaders would like to reaffirm our strong commitment to find a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem.

UN Secretary-Generals Special Adviser on Cyprus Alexander Downer will be present during the meetings to follow, which are scheduled to take place 12th and 16th of January.

[02] SPOKESMAN - CYPRUS PROBLEM

Commenting on remarks by Ozdil Nami, adviser to Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat, Stephanou said positions that bring the two sides together ``do exist`` and that ``an example that can be given is the agreement on the basis of the negotiations and the kind of solution we are aiming at, namely a bizonal bicommunal federation with political equality as this is defined in the relevant resolutions of the UN and not as anyone may arbitrarily define it.``

Stephanou said that ``we must all concentrate on the target of achieving a solution and not, through various statements, create problems or feelings of pessimism and disappointment among the people,`` adding that ``if we all truly mean to seek a solution, and in view of the current efforts in that direction, disappointment and pessimism are the worst possible attitudes to have.``

As regards time limits, Stephanou said that ``the National Council has a position as regards time limits and arbitration`` and that ``the National Council, bearing in mind the traumatic experience of 2004, emphatically rejects tight time limits and arbitration procedures.``

Stephanou said that, in order to avoid arbitration, ``we have elected another procedure, one of Cypriot ownership through which the Cypriots will find a solution for the Cypriots.``

[03] CYPRUS - GAZA - AID

Government Spokesman Stephanos Stephanou said here Sunday that before Cyprus could assume this role there is a need of reaching an understanding with the parties involved and for a helpful stance by the various parties. Additionally, he stressed that violence has to stop in the region because it is not through violence that problems can be faced.

As regards the Gaza issue, I recall that, as was published in the press last week, the Republic of Cyprus has expressed the wish and the intention to help by acting as a bridge for the transport of aid in the Gaza area. This position has been expressed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr Markos Kyprianou at the Meeting of the Foreign Ministers of the EU last week in Paris, Stephanou said.

As he noted our wish and our position are there. We believe we can help. For this to happen, however, as you can surely understand, there is need of reaching an understanding with and for a helpful stance by the various parties concerned. We are on hold. I repeat that our willingness to help the friendly Palestinian people to overcome the problems is granted.

[04] DOCTORS - AID - GAZA

Georgiou told CNA that the aid was transported from Tyr to Beirut, where it remains in the care of the Lebanese authorities, and that arrangements have been made to place the shipment into a container on Monday.

The material will be transported to Beirut Airport and on Tuesday or Wednesday will be returned to Cyprus, where other arrangements will be made to send it to Gaza.

Georgiou added that there is an urgent need for food and other necessities, and the organisation will be appealing to the people for help through the media.

He noted that an effort would be made to raise money in order to purchase foodstuff to be sent to the people in Gaza. Bank accounts have already been opened for donations.

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