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

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

CONTENTS

[01] GOVERNMENT - SG - LIMNITIS

[02] CYPRUS FM - EU GAERC

[03] DEFENSE MINISTER - TURKEY - WAR CRIMES

[01] GOVERNMENT - SG - LIMNITIS

In statements after a meeting entitled ``The latest developments on the Cyprus problem`` in Pafos, Stephanou pointed out that the UN Chief is always welcomed.

``We have said that the UN SG is welcomed to meet the President of the Republic whenever he wishes it,`` Stephanou said, adding that the government would not reject such a proposal. He also said that Cyprus President Demetris Christofias never misses the opportunity to hold meetings with the UN Chief, pointing out that the current talks for a Cyprus settlement are taking place under the auspices of the UN SG in the framework of hid good offices mission.

On Friday, speaking to the press after meeting President Christofias, UN SG Special Adviser for Cyprus Alexander Downer indicated that the UN Chief might visit the island, hopefully before the end of the year.

Responding to a question whether the UN is expected to engage in the second phase of the talks more actively, Stephanou said that the role of the UN in the peace process is defined by the relevant resolutions, adding that the basic UN aim is to support the efforts made for a solution to the Cyprus problem and to encourage both communities to pave the way for a negotiated settlement.

Invited to comment on a statement made by Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat that the passage of pilgrims from the village of Pyrgos in the Pafos district to the church of Saint Mamas in the Turkish occupied area of Morphou, via the Limnitis checkpoint, was cancelled due ``to Greek Cypriot fanatics who would cause problems,`` Stephanou said that the issue was discussed during a telephone conversation President Christofias had with Talat yesterday, adding that the issue will be discussed anew during their next scheduled meeting in the framework of the UN-led direct negotiations on September 10.

Noting that the continuation of the discussion over the issue would be harmful, the Spokesman pointed out that ``irrespective of the problems that emerged there was a violation of the agreement.``

``When there is good will to respect the agreements, ways of overcoming problems can be found. We believe that such good fait to overcome problems and to ensure the smooth passage of the pilgrims was not there,`` Stephanou added.

Stephanou refrained from commenting on a statement made by the so-called prime minister of the Turkish-occupied areas of Cyprus Dervis Eroglou that the Greek Cypriot should not be making dreams that the occupied village of Rizokarpaso on the peninsula of Karpasia will be returned, noting what is important are the positions submitted at the negotiating table.

Noting that the government analyzes the statements made, even the provocative ones, Stephanou added ``these would not distract us from the effort we are making at the negotiating table.``

``There,`` he concluded we will submit our proposals to find a solution which would serve the interests of Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots. We do not wish to enter a tug-of-war of statements and counter-statements.``

[02] CYPRUS FM - EU GAERC

According to an official press release, on the sidelines of the Council, Kyprianou held a series of meetings with a number of his counterparts, whom he briefed on the recent developments regarding the current UN-led direct negotiations for solution to the Cyprus problem, while he outlined the Cypriot positions concerning the EU-Turkey relations in view of the upcoming evaluation of Turkeys accession process in December.

The main items on the agenda of the Council were the recent developments in Middle East, Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Speaking during the first day of the Council, Cypriot FM stressed the importance of resuming the peace process in Middle East and the direct talks between Israel and the Palestinian Authority as soon as possible, aiming at achieving a two-state solution based on the 1967 borders.

Kyprianou also referred to the importance of terminating Israels settlement policy and underlined the need for a more active EU involvement in the Middle East peace process.

[03] DEFENSE MINISTER - TURKEY - WAR CRIMES

Addressing the burial of the remains of a soldier killed during the 1974 Turkish invasion to the island, which lead to the occupation of Cyprus northern third, Papacostas said that the Greek Cypriot side hopes that Turkey and the Turkish Cypriot side will demonstrate good will so that a solution will be achieved soon.

``Despite the significant divergences recorded at the talks with the Turkish Cypriot community, which concern important issues, we are not disappointed but remain cautiously optimistic and continue the strive for a solution which would serve the interests the people as a whole,`` Papacostas said, adding ``we hope that Turkey and the Turkish Cypriot leadership will show the necessary good will, so that a solution of the Cyprus problem soon becomes a fact.``

Referring to the issue of the missing persons, Papacostas said that the Greek Cypriot side works on a daily basis for the implementation of a decision by the European Court of Human Rights in Cyprus` appeal against Turkey so that Ankara would grant access to Turkish military archives, allowing the ascertainment of the missing persons since the 1974 invasion.

Papacostas added that the implementation of the ECHR ruling becomes more necessary after the revelation that five soldiers, who were included in the missing persons list, were murdered after being captured prisoners, pointing out that ``this sad story brought to the surface war crimes Turkey committed against Cyprus and continues to commit with the continued occupation and illegal settlement of our country.``

``We condemn such crimes, which constitute the bitter fruit of fanaticism and nationalism. But at the same time we want to stress that the stirring of hatred of the past does not lead anywhere else but to the continuation of the division of the island and to partition,`` Papacostas concluded.

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