Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 09-07-20

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

CONTENTS

[01] FM - CYPRUS - TURKEY - EU

[02] TURKISH INVASION ANNIVERSARY - MEMORIAL SERVICE

[03] SPANISH FM - CYPRUS QUESTION

[04] PRESIDENTIAL COMMISSIONER - CYPRUS QUESTION

[01] FM - CYPRUS - TURKEY - EU

Replying to questions after a meeting in Nicosia with Spanish Minister of Foreign Affairs Miguel Angel Moratinos, Kyprianou said ``we do not have a philosophical problem in opening the chapter but the chapter on energy cannot open as long as Turkey is trying to prevent the Republic of Cyprus, an EU member state, from exploiting its own energy sources, based on international law.``

Kyprianou said it was up to Turkey to behave like a 21st century state which aspires to join the EU, in which case Cyprus would not have a reason to raise any objections.

``However, as long as Turkey is behaving as the classroom, the neighbourhood bully, Cyprus can certainly not give its consent,`` he added.

Regarding the Turkish government`s move to implement a decree for explorations in the sea areas within the exclusive economic zones of Cyprus and Greece, Kyprianou said the Cypriot government was looking into the matter and that ``Cyprus, as other countries in the region, has determined its exclusive economic zone based on international law, the law of the sea specifically.``

``We will investigate Turkey`s intentions and will make all necessary representations,`` he noted, adding that ``it is Turkey`s obligation to normalise relations with countries in the region and peacefully solve any differences, and of course this includes Cyprus.``

Commenting on remarks by Turkish Minister of Foreign Affairs Ahmed Davudoglu regarding a solution of the Cyprus problem by the end of the year, Kyprianou said Turkey itself was responsible for the lack of progress in negotiations to reach a Cyprus settlement.

He noted that if Turkey was in a hurry for a solution it should maintain a constructive stance towards the talks and encourage or allow the Turkish Cypriot side to be positive.

Kyprianou said ``it is ironic that Turkey, which caused the Cyprus problem, to appear as if in a hurry for a solution,`` adding that it is the Greek Cypriot side that is still suffering from the 1974 invasion and wants a just and viable solution the soonest possible.

Commenting on remarks by US Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs Matthew Bryza that if the process for a solution collapses it will be difficult to revive it, Kyprianou said ``in politics no one should speak about last opportunities because this is not at all constructive.``

Kyprianou said that time was one of the factors that should be taken into consideration in the sense that there is a problem with Turkish settlers and the arrogation of Greek Cypriot property.

He added that it was after initiatives by the Greek Cypriot side that the talks began and that ``it would be better to address such advice to the Turkish side because everyone knows that the delay is due to positions presented at the negotiating table by the other side and which are not in line with the aim of a solution.``

Cyprus, which joined the EU in 2004, has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third.

The leaders of the two communities in Cyprus have been engaged in UN-led direct negotiations since September 2008, with an aim to reunite the island.

[02] TURKISH INVASION ANNIVERSARY - MEMORIAL SERVICE

Speaking at the official memorial service for those killed during the 1974 Turkish invasion of Cyprus, he said that as long as Cyprus is faced with the Turkish military presence and threat, it will not waver from its goal to constantly reinforce its armed forces, improve its effectiveness and consolidate the fighting spirit of its officers.

We all aim at the demilitarisation of our country so that we can all - Greek Cypriots, Turkish Cypriots, Armenians, Maronites and Latines - enjoy the benefits of lasting peace and security on our island,`` he pointed out.

[03] SPANISH FM - CYPRUS QUESTION

During the meeting, main issue of discussion was the Cyprus problem. Moratinos, who was also received by President of the Republic of Cyprus Demetris Christofias, said that the Cypriot political leadership is extremely committed to see progress at the negotiations.

I had the opportunity to meet President Christofias. I found the Cypriot authorities extremely committed to advance as quickly as possible in order to get this issue solved, Moratinos pointed out.

[04] PRESIDENTIAL COMMISSIONER - CYPRUS QUESTION

Iacovou, who was speaking Sunday in Limassol at the memorial service of those who lost their lives during the Turkish invasion of 1974, said that the main obstacle for the achievement of a solution in Cyprus is Turkeys intransigent stance and persistence on unacceptable positions.

The acceptance of a bizonal, bicommunal federation is for us a historic compromise and the last point of compromise he stressed.

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