Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 10-06-07

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

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

CONTENTS

[01] SPOKESMAN - CYPRUS TALKS

[02] POPE`S VISIT - CYPRUS` PROMOTION

[03] LIDINGTON - CYPRUS ISSUE

[04] PAPACOSTAS - VISIT TO MONTENEGRO

[01] SPOKESMAN - CYPRUS TALKS

He also pointed out that the Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu has expressed support to that basis.

The Spokesman said that negotiations between the leaders of the two communities, namely President of the Republic of Cyprus Demetris Christofias and Eroglu, would continue, adding that the role of the negotiating basis was to act as a criterion regarding the content and quality of positions submitted by each side.

Asked about the basis of the talks, which began in September 2008, Stephanou said ``the statement of the UN Secretary General is clear, that the negotiating basis is a bizonal bicommunal federation with political equality, as defined in relevant UN resolutions, for a Cyprus with a single sovereignty, a single citizenship and a single international identity.``

Regarding remarks by the UN Secretary General`s Special Adviser on Cyprus Alexander Downer, Stephanou said Downer had referred to and agreed the basis of the negotiations.

Asked if Eroglu accepted this basis, Stephanou said Eroglu had expressed his support to this basis, adding that the role of the negotiating basis was ``to act as a criterion regarding the content and the quality of positions submitted by each side.``

He also said ``the negotiations will continue`` and that ``from thereon the process of the negotiations is an open process and this gives us the right to judge and see how the negotiations develop.``

Replying to questions, Stephanou said that no one could determine when an international conference would be held on the Cyprus problem, adding that the position of the Republic of Cyprus and President Christofias himself was clear.

The Spokesman announced that President Christofias has called on Tuesday an informal meeting of the leaders of the parliamentary parties, at the Presidential Palace, to discuss the latest developments in the Cyprus issue.

The President and Eroglu, who succeeded Mehmet Ali Talat in April as the head of the Turkish Cypriot community, have met once since Eroglu became the leader of the Turkish Cypriots. Lasts weeks scheduled meeting between the two was postponed, following remarks by Eroglu that questioned his adherence to the basis of the ongoing UN-led talks.

The top aides to the two leaders have met since to discuss development. Talks are set to continue between the two leaders. Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third.

[02] POPE`S VISIT - CYPRUS` PROMOTION

He added that the Pope sent messages of support to the efforts of President of the Republic Demetris Christofias for a political settlement, showed great interest in the destruction of the cultural heritage in the areas of Cyprus under Turkish occupation, and referred to the contribution of the Christians and Moslems to reconciliation among Cypriots, which could serve as an example for the people of countries in the region.

Stephanou noted that the three-day official visit was successful, and was ``an historical event and honour for our country and our people.`` ``His presence on Cypriot land promoted internationally our homeland, the problem of Turkish occupation and de facto division of the island, and the struggle of our people for a solution and reunification,`` Stephanou pointed out.

[03] LIDINGTON - CYPRUS ISSUE

Lidington was speaking during a discussion at the House of Commons on the policy of the new Conservative government, during which former Minister for Europe Chris Bryant expressed hope that ``the Minister will push forward as much as he possibly can.``

``We are ready to help if there is anything that we can do. Britain, obviously, plays a key role in trying to develop peace in Cyprus,`` Bryant added. In his reply, Lidington noted ``the complexities of the dispute in Cyprus,`` adding that the British government was ``intent on being energetic in supporting the relevant parties in seeking an agreement leading to the reunification of the island.``

[04] PAPACOSTAS - VISIT TO MONTENEGRO

According to an official announcement, during the visit Papacostas will discuss with his counterpart issues of common interest in the field of defence and security, as well as other issues of bilateral and international concern.

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