Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 09-07-19

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

CONTENTS

[01] PRESIDENT - CYPRUS TALKS

[02] HOUSE PRESIDENT - MISSING

[03] SPOKESMAN - TURKEY - EXPLORATIONS FOR OIL

[01] PRESIDENT - CYPRUS TALKS

Addressing a ceremony for the missing persons in Cyprus, organized by Organisation of Relatives of Undeclared Prisoners and Missing Persons of Cyprus, President Christofias said that as a result of this compromise, the principle of equality, as defined by the UN relevant resolutions, between the two communities in Cyprus will be applied.

We pursue a solution that will reunite the country, the people, the institutions and the economy, a federal state with a single sovereignty, a single citizenship, and a single international personality. We pursue a functional and viable solution. A solution that can last during time, that will ensures conditions of peace and prosperity and that will free Cyprus from occupation and foreign guarantees. A solution which will free Cyprus from the Turkish settlement, and which will restore human rights and basic freedoms, including the right to return back to the homeland and the right for property, President Christofias pointed out.

President Christofias said that he extends the hand of friendship to our Turkish Cypriots compatriots, and the hand of cooperation to the Turkish Cypriot leadership. Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots should and could find the compromise that will allow us to live together in conditions of peace, security and prosperity. We can define alone, our fate, he added.

President Christofias expressed hope the direct negotiations to lead to an agreed solution that will also give an end to the tragedy of the relatives of missing people in Cyprus. He said that the progress achieved in the framework of the Committee on Missing Persons in Cyprus (CMP), is a positive development. By the exhumation and identification of the remains , with the DNA method, some of the families of the missing persons in Cyprus have already get informed about the fate of their relatives, he added.

In addition, President Christofias stressed that the government intensifies its efforts so that the Turkish side will be obliged to comply with the relevant European Court of Human Rights decision and cooperate with a view to effectively ascertain the fate of each and every missing person.

The Republic of Cyprus will provide any kind of assistance, in order the work of the Committee on Missing Persons to be supported and concluded as soon as possible, he added.

[02] HOUSE PRESIDENT - MISSING

Addressing a ceremony for the missing persons in Cyprus, organized by Organisation of Relatives of Undeclared Prisoners and Missing Persons of Cyprus, Garoyian said that the people of Cyprus support President Christofias on his efforts to solve Cyprus problem within the framework of the direct negotiation process.

Unfortunately, the Turkish stance and behavior does not leave room for optimism so far. Instead of a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation, the Turkish side pursues a confederation or a two state solution in Cyprus, he added.

Garoyian pointed out that the Greek Cypriot side does not accept such kind of solution. We know that the continuation of the Cyprus problem is against us. However, we are not ready to commit a suicide, nor to mortgage our future under Turkey`s demands``, he stressed.

Referring to the humanitarian issue of the missing persons, Garoyian said that it represents the most tragic aspect of the Cyprus problem.

He also noted that concerning this issue, minor steps have been done. ``The identification of the remains of tens of missing persons cannot be considered as an important step. The fate of hundreds of missing persons remains unknown until today, in violation of every principles of legitimacy and every sense of respect on human rights``, he pointed out.

Garoyian blamed Turkey for the delay on the process of identification. ``What we demand is speeding up the process, in order an effective research for establishing the fate of each missing person to be conducted``, he added.

[03] SPOKESMAN - TURKEY - EXPLORATIONS FOR OIL

Stephanou was commenting on the decision of Turkey to start explorations for hydrocarbon reserves outside the Exclusive Economic Zone of the country and very close to Cyprus Exclusive Economic Zone .

I must say that the Republic of Cyprus, as we have previously responded when Turkey in a provocative way harassed vessels exploring for oil on behalf of the Republic, we defend our sovereign rights always on the basis of the International Law, he added.

He noted that there is Law for these matters, is the Law of the Sea of 1982 of the UN Convention which is part of the International Law.

Stephanou went on to say that this Law indicates how any disputes can be solved wherever they exist.

We have urged Turkey to open a dialogue with us. We are ready to open a dialogue on what Turley considers to be a disputed area in the Exclusive Economic Zone, he said, noting that Turkey did not sign the Law of the Sea and of course does not recognize the Republic of Cyprus.

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