Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 10-06-21

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

CONTENTS

[01] CHRISTOFIAS - CYPRUS` REUNIFICATION

[02] KYPRIANOU - LAVROV - MEETING

[03] CYPRUS - QATAR - ACTIONS

[04] CYPRUS - NATURAL GAS

[01] CHRISTOFIAS - CYPRUS` REUNIFICATION

Speaking during the ceremony of his proclamation as honourary citizen of Corfu Municipality, Christofias noted that a settlement of the Cyprus problem must restore and secure the human rights and the fundamental freedoms of all the people, Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots, Maronites, Armenians and Latins.

He underlined that the solution will be achieved on the basis of 1977 and 1979 High Level Agreements between the leader of the two communities and the UN resolutions on Cyprus. He noted that the UN high level agreements and resolutions provide for a settlement of a bizonal, bicommunal federation with political equality as described in the UN Security Council resolutions, which will safeguard the unity of the state with a single, undivided sovereignty, one and single international personality and one and single citizenship.

Referring to the ongoing negotiations aiming to solve the Cyprus problem, he said that they began in September 2008 and that he had agreed with the then Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat that the settlement would be a product of an agreement in the negotiations under the UN Secretary General auspices without arbitration and tight timetables. The settlement would be put before the two communities at simultaneous, separate referenda.

Noting that Dervis Eroglu is now the leader of the Turkish Cypriot community, Christofias stressed that the Greek Cypriot side has made it clear that negotiations must continue on the same basis, adding that we are expecting from the Turkish Cypriot leadership and Ankara to show tangible proof that they are committed to the agreed framework, so that the route towards a settlement will open.

He underlined that the slogans of the Turkish and the Turkish Cypriot leadership for a settlement by the end of the year will prove to be a communication blame game if they are not accompanied by creative and rational proposals and positions at the negotiating table.

Christofias also underlined that the Greek Cypriot side wants a settlement the soonest, but a settlement that will be based on fundamental principles so that it will be functional, just under the circumstance and viable.

He also stressed the interest and support of Corfu, and the Greek people, government, and political leadership in general, to the struggle of the people of Cyprus for the reunification of their country, and said that his proclamation as a honourary citizen of the Corfu Municipality is a great honour for him. He also referred to the historic bonds between Cyprus and Corfu.

[02] KYPRIANOU - LAVROV - MEETING

Speaking at a joint press conference after the meeting, Kyprianou said Medvedev`s visit would crown the longstanding excellent relations between Cyprus and Russia, noting that preparations for the trip in Autumn guaranteed "an absolutely successful visit." Lavrov announced a decision to activate the intergovernmental committee on financial cooperation, which would convene in early Autumn in Nicosia.

Referring to Russia`s role in the Cyprus problem, Kyprianou said Russia has been a steadfast supporter of positions of principle, based on international law and UN resolutions, and pointed out Russia`s contribution to the latest Security Council resolution on the renewal of the mandate of the UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP).

Kyprianou assured that Cyprus remains committed to a solution providing for a bizonal bicommunal federation, with a single sovereignty, a single international identity and a single citizenship, which would guarantee the unity of the state.

Replying to questions, Lavrov said that, "as the Security Council has confirmed on many occasions, the comprehensive settlement can only be voluntary and be based on agreement between the two sides," adding that the international community and especially the permanent members of the Security Council must facilitate the sides towards reaching an agreement, not force them to accept unacceptable terms.

[03] CYPRUS - QATAR - ACTIONS

Speaking after the meeting, which was also attended by representatives of the Land Office and the Town Planning Department, Stavrakis said it was necessary to act immediately to cover the time lost from the day the agreement was signed about six weeks ago until it was approved by the House of Representatives last week.

Stravrakis said he had sent a letter to officers in Qatar, inviting them to visit Cyprus to discuss various details of the project, adding that Cypriot officers may even travel to Qatar over the next few days for better coordination of the project.

``We must act fast,`` he said, adding that ``the first action necessary is to agree on the value of the state land`` to be used for the project.

[04] CYPRUS - NATURAL GAS

In statements on Monday, Paschalides said "it is indeed believed that there is a huge amount in the Israeli plot but we cannot confirm or dismiss the amounts, because they have been revised a couple of times."

Replying to questions, Paschalides said common exploitation would not be discussed, adding that the signing of agreements on the exclusive economic zone was pending. "We want these agreements to be made with Israel and other neighbouring countries, as was our aim from the beginning," so that each country could make its plans.

To other questions concerning Turkish efforts to obstruct the process of determining the exclusive economic zone, Paschalides said Turkish officials have been making statements for years. "We know our sovereign rights. We do not provoke anyone. We do not change our plans and we proceed," he concluded.

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