Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 09-07-17

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 SOLUTION

[02] GREECE - CYPRUS PROBLEM

[03] CYPRUS - ISRAEL - AGREEMENT

[01] PRESIDENT - CYPRUS SOLUTION

He expressed hope that Turkey would understand that meeting its obligations towards the EU and Cyprus, as well as maintaining a constructive stance in the Cyprus problem, were to its own benefit, noting that Cyprus would be monitoring Turkey`s EU accession course, in view of the progress report of December.

Speaking at an event at the Presidential Palace to mark the anniversary of the 1974 coup and Turkish invasion, President Christofias said that ``it is necessary to remember and correctly interpret all the events that led to the tragedy of 1974 because, without the correct reading of the historical events, history cannot act as a compass in our struggle to reach a just, under the circumstances, viable and functional solution of the Cyprus problem.``

President Christofias said everyone should know the role foreign decision making centres played in the events of 1974 and also pointed out the responsibilities of Cyprus.

``We assure the people that we will ceaselessly and unwearyingly continue the struggle for justice. To justify those who suffered, our refugees, enclaved, wounded, disabled and dead. To justify the relatives of our missing persons, who for 35 years are living with the angst of the determination of the fate of the loved ones,`` he added.

He pointed out that while the Greek Cypriots are mourning the tragedy, the Turkish Cypriot side is celebrating the division of the island.

``In practice, the losers are both the Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots,`` President Christofias pointed out, adding that the solution of the Cyprus problem would heal the wounds of division and would reunite the territory, people, institutions and economy of the island, in the framework of a bizonal bicommunal federation, which would allow Cyprus to function within the EU.

President Christofias said ``it is time for Turkey to see and acknowledge its responsibilities for the tragedy of 1974 and the continuing unacceptable situation in Cyprus,`` adding that within the EU, ``the United Federal Republic of Cyprus will not need guarantees and guarantors.``

Commenting on Turkish statements regarding the guarantees, President Christofias said the chapter of security and guarantees was currently being discussed at the negotiating table with the Turkish Cypriot side, adding that the treaties of guarantee should be discussed in the presence and with the participation of the Republic of Cyprus because above all they concern and affect the Cypriots, Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots.

President Christofias pointed out that ``division is an option of disaster so we must be rid of it the soonest possible,`` adding that ``our policy for reaching a solution of the Cyprus problem is based on a comprehensive strategy,`` with the two sides in Cyprus holding the leading roles and with the UN and the EU assisting the process.

``In order to avoid the traumatic experiences of the recent past, we sought and this was accepted by the UN Secretary General that the ownership of the process is Cypriot. This means that the leaders of the two communities decide on how the process proceeds and how we can reach a mutually acceptable agreement, which will be approved in separate and simultaneous referenda by the two communities,`` he said.

He pointed out that the international community has accepted that no deadlines or arbitration would be imposed.

President Christofias did not rule out reaching an agreement by December but noted that it was necessary for Turkey and the Turkish Cypriot leadership to make corrective moves concerning the content of the solution.

``This is why it is necessary for the international community and especially the EU to exert influence on Turkey, in the light of its EU accession course and European aspirations, to change its stance and cooperate towards a solution. This is what we are requesting from the EU, keeping in mind Turkey`s EU progress report in December,`` he added.

President Christofias reiterated that the Republic of Cyprus supports Turkey`s European prospects as long as Turkey meets its obligations and commitments towards the EU and Cyprus.

``The stance of the Republic of Cyprus in December will depend on Turkey`s stance. Until then we will continue to monitor developments,`` in cooperation with Greece and Cyprus` European partners, he said.

He expressed hope that ``Turkey will at last understand that meeting its obligations towards the EU and Cyprus, as well as maintaining a constructive stance in the Cyprus problem, are to its own benefit.``

Regarding Turkish remarks that a solution to the Cyprus problem should be adopted as EU law, President Christofias said this position is ``expressly dismissed`` and that the solution should provide for a bizonal bicommunal federation with political equality, as set out in UN resolutions, a single state with a single sovereignty, citizenship and international identity.

``The solution of the Cyprus problem is a difficult aim to meet. However, it is a dire necessity because this is the only way in which to safeguard the future of our country and people,`` he said.

President Christofias pointed out that ``we knew the difficulties from the outset`` and called on the people of Cyprus ``to remain calm and not be misled by remarks or alarmism referring to pessimistic or dangerous scenarios, to continue supporting the efforts for a solution of the Cyprus problem.``

``Our positions and aims are clear. We know what we want, what we are pursuing and we are working hard to achieve it,`` he said and pointed out the necessity for ``unity and solidarity on the home front.``

[02] GREECE - CYPRUS PROBLEM

In a statement on the occasion of the completion of 35 years since the Turkish invasion against Cyprus in the summer of 1974, Bakoyiannis reiterates Greeces support to the initiative and the effort of Cypriot President Demetris Christofias to reach a Cypriot solution to the Cyprus problem and calls upon Turkey to prove in deeds that it can follow European principles and values.

The wounds which the invasion and continuous occupation of the Republic of Cyprus have left behind must close and the Cypriot people should be able to live again reunited and secure in the EU, she says.

The Greek Foreign Minister notes that Turkey still holds the key for the solution of the Cyprus problem, pointing out that Turkeys role is crucial.

[03] CYPRUS - ISRAEL - AGREEMENT

The agreement was in Nicosia on Friday by Minister of Education and Culture Andreas Demetriou and Permanent Secretary of the Israeli Foreign Ministry Arye Mekel and covers the period between 2009 and 2011.

In statements after the signing ceremony, the Cypriot Minister expressed conviction that the agreement would further strengthen the ties between the two countries.

Mekel noted that bilateral relations in the areas of culture, education and science are already very strong, but more could be achieved.

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