Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 09-05-24

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

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

CONTENTS

[01] PRESIDENT CYPRUS ISSUE TURKEY

[01] PRESIDENT CYPRUS ISSUE TURKEY

President Christofias, who attended Sunday an event, hosted by the Maronites Archbishopric in Cyprus, to honor former Maronite Archbishop Peter Gemayel, noted that despite difficulties he would continue, with consistency, to struggle for a Cyprus solution and reunification based on principles.

The solution of the Cyprus problem, he added, must come from Cypriots for Cypriots and be based on a bizonal, bicommunal federation with political equality as defined in the relevant UNSC resolutions, he underlined.

Referring to Turkey, he said we want Turkey to understand that occupying countries can not consider themselves as democratic countries asking to find a place in the European family. As long as the occupation of Cyprus by Turkey continues and Turkey continues its attitude, it can not become member of the EU.

I am determined to continue the struggle for the achievement of a mutually acceptable solution, a solution that would be for the benefit of all Cypriots, Greek Cyrpiots, Turkish Cypriots, Maronites, Armenians, Latins, that would terminate occupation, terminate Turkeys policy to bring illegal settlers to Cyprus, and safeguard human rights and fundamental freedoms for our people, he said.

Referring to former Maronite Archbishop of Cyprus, he said, today we honor a true friend, and we express our respect to him, adding I must make special reference to his concern for the survival of the enclaved Maronites and the resolution of their problems as well as the great interest he has shown regarding the struggle for the maintenance of the holy sites and monuments of Maronites in the Turkish occupied areas of Cyprus.

He also expressed certainty that the cooperation between the government and the new Maronite Archbishop of Cyprus Youssef Antoine Soueif will be as fruitful.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. President Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat began UN-led direct negotiations for an agreed solution to the Cyprus problem since September 2008 and so far held 29 meetings.

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