Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 10-07-19

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

CONTENTS

[01] PRESIDENT MISSING PERSONS CYPRUS ISSUE

[02] IACOVOU PROPERTY ISSUE

[03] CYPRIOTS UK LETTER CAMERON

[04] LONDON RALLY TURKISH INVASION

[01] PRESIDENT MISSING PERSONS CYPRUS ISSUE

Addressing an event for the persons missing since the 1974 Turkish invasion of Cyprus, President Christofias said ``we are indeed dealing with a very difficult interlocutor,`` who ``is declaring everywhere that it is seeking a solution within 2010.``

President Christofias pointed out that ``we are expecting the Turkish Cypriot leadership and Ankara to show in practice, at the negotiating table, that they are committed by the agreed framework and to submit reasonable and constructive proposals, which will create the preconditions for a realistic compromise.``

He assured that the Greek Cypriot side would continue to sincerely pursue a settlement, providing for a bizonal bicommunal federation with political equality, as defined in UN resolutions, safeguarding the unity of the state.

``This is the historical compromise of the Greek Cypriot side,`` he said, adding that ``a bizonal bicommunal federation solution will guard against division and division means destruction.``

President Christofias welcomed a Greek delegation that attended the event and expressed appreciation for the work of the Committee on Missing Persons in Cyprus, noting that the government supports its efforts.

Referring to the Committee`s work, President Christofias said six teams were carrying out exhumations in the Turkish occupied areas and two in the government controlled areas, adding that after intensive efforts and representations in various directions, a commitment was obtained that investigations would be allowed in military zones in the Turkish occupied areas.

He noted that the Committee has carried out 274 exhumations and found remains believed to belong to 600 persons missing from both sides on the island, and that so far the remains of 179 Greek Cypriots and 52 Turkish Cypriots have been identified by DNA.

``The Committee`s exhumation programme undoubtedly creates a climate of optimism,`` he said but pointed out that efforts were being made so that Turkey fulfills its commitments and provides access to military records and other services, which will help determine the fate of missing persons.

``For us, the issue of missing persons, the most tragic aspect of the Cyprus problem, must not be seen through a political lens but everyone must show the necessary sensitivity in this humanitarian matter,`` he added.

President Christofias referred to the 1974 coup d` etat and the Turkish invasion of the island a few days later, noting that ``the lessons of history must act as a calling for all of us to take our responsibilities in efforts to solve the Cyprus problem, bringing the true reunification of our homeland, the people, the economy and the institutions, which will terminate occupation and settling, and will restore the human rights of the whole of the people of Cyprus.``

``Thus we will heal the wounds, those who fought and gave their lives will be justified, and we will truly guarantee a peaceful and hopeful future for our children,`` he said.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third.

[02] IACOVOU PROPERTY ISSUE

Speaking on Sunday, Iacovou said that the return of Famagusta to its lawful inhabitants constitutes a separate and real issue and that its approach derives from the UN Security Council resolution 550 that demands the immediate end of the occupation of the city and its return to its lawful inhabitants.

In addition, Iacovou referred to the issue of the international conference for the Cyprus problem, noting that the impression that President Christofias opposes to the international conference is wrong.

There are two points regarding the international conference, Iacovou said. The first has to do with the composition of the conference, he said, stressing that for sure we will not accept an international conference, which will either degrades the Republic of Cyprus or upgrades the pseudostate.

Secondly, this international conference will mainly focus on the international aspects of the problem, such as the issue of guarantees.

[03] CYPRIOTS UK LETTER CAMERON

In his letter, Droussiotis notes Britains crucial supporting role in relation to Cyprus, saying that not only does Britain have historic responsibilities to Cyprus arising from its role as a Guarantor Power of the islands independence and territorial integrity, it is also a critically influential country both as a permanent member of the UN Security Council and also as a powerful country and Cypruss partner within the European Union.

Droussiotis notes that Britain must use its influence over Turkey to ensure that the latter works genuinely for a just and lasting settlement, adding Turkey must no longer block progress and that message must get through to Ankara.

Meanwhile, in a letter sent to the Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey in the United Kingdom Unal Cevikoz, Droussiotis calls upon Turkey to act immediately in the interest of justice and to increase all efforts towards delivering a united, independent, bi-zonal, bi-communal Cyprus where the human rights of all Cypriots will be safeguarded.

[04] LONDON RALLY TURKISH INVASION

Addressing a rally organised by the National Federation of Cypriots in the UK at Trafalgar Square to denounce the 36th anniversary of the military coup against Cyprus elected government and the Turkish invasion which followed, the Minister said that overseas Cypriots have an important role to play in efforts to reach a solution in Cyprus. She also praised their work so far during the years.

The rally was also addressed by President of the Federation Peter Droussiotis, British MPs Allan Meale, Jim Sharidan, Michael Freer and Matthew Offord, who stressed Turkeys obligations towards Cyprus and the EU.

Referring to Turkey, the Cypriot Minister said that its goal is obvious, to consolidate occupation and to create further obstacles, through the creation of fait accomplis, that will make the solution untenable.

Your presence here today, the presence of so many British friends of Cyprus, is also a symbol of the world position that the problem created by the Turkish invasion and occupation not only exists and needs to be reversed, but, moreover, that this problem is an international problem of invasion and occupation that needs the active involvement of the international community and in particular the British government, to be resolved, she stressed.

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