Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 10-08-23

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

CONTENTS

[01] SPOKESMAN CYPRUS TALKS PRESIDENTS PROPOSALS

[02] US CYPRUS PROBLEM

[03] OVERSEAS CYPRIOTS CONFERENCE NICOSIA

[01] SPOKESMAN CYPRUS TALKS PRESIDENTS PROPOSALS

Invited to comment on efforts by the Turkish side to blame the Greek Cypriot side in the event the Cyprus peace talks collapse, Stephanou said that Turkeys tactics and policy are well known; on the one hand it looks like it is eager for a solution by the end of 2010, and on the other hand, it is trying to shift responsibilities to the Greek Cypriot side for allegedly delaying the process and not working to achieve a speedy solution to the Cyprus issue.

The proposals which the President of the Republic has made, said Stephanou, if they are accepted, then they can speed up the negotiations by combining various aspects of the Cyprus issue in the discussions, just like we do on the property issue, the territorial adjustments and the issue of Turkish settlers.

At the same time, he added, with the implementation of the proposals, a new momentum can be created to achieve a solution the soonest possible.

He said we have proposals, and we are not merely stating we want a solution the soonest, adding that the proposals are balanced and realistic and are based on UN resolutions, provide benefits and incentives to those involved in the Cyprus issue to work for a solution that will be based on UN resolutions, the international and European law and the high level agreements of 1977 and 1979.

There is good coordination and common efforts with Greece to further promote these proposals, he said, adding the feedback we get from the international arena are favourable. We want to continue promoting the proposals because we really want a solution to the Cyprus issue the soonest.

The Government Spokesman dismissed reports that discussions on the property issue will be intensified in September, noting that Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu had made statements after returning to the occupied areas from the talks on August 10 that he would suggest intensification of the talks.

We have expressed our regret because such issue was not raised at the negotiating table, the Spokesman said, adding there should be respect between the two negotiators.

What we have said that is that we are ready to discuss this at the next meeting of the President of the Republic with Mr. Eroglu, if and when it is raised, we have a clear proposal to speed up the negotiations, he added.

He further said the National Council will convene around the end of the August.

The first proposal, which President Christofias has put forward, suggests linking discussions on property to territory and immigration, citizenship, aliens and asylum. Property and territory are considered to be two of the most hotly contested issues at the talks President Christofias and the Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu are engaged in.

The second proposal calls for the implementation of Security Council resolution 550 which provides for the return of the fenced off area of Varosha, now under Turkish occupation, to the UN. The objective of the proposal is to restore the town and return it to its legitimate inhabitants. The proposal envisages also the opening of the citys port for trade for Turkish Cypriots, under EU supervision, as well as the restoration of the walled city of Famagusta (old part of the city).

The third proposal relates to convening an international conference on Cyprus, once the Greek Cypriot and the Turkish Cypriot side are within reach of an agreement on the internal aspects of the Cyprus problem. This conference must be called by the UN, and apart from the Republic of Cyprus and the islands two communities, the EU, the five permanent members of the Security Council and Cyprus three guarantor powers will attend (Greece, Turkey and Britain are the guarantor powers according to the 1960 Constitution).

Peace talks began in September 2008 between President Christofias and former Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat, who was succeeded by Eroglu in April this year.

[02] US CYPRUS PROBLEM

According to reliable sources, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will say in a message to overseas Cypriots, who will be holding their 17th conference in Cyprus this week, that the leaders of the two communities in Cyprus must remain focused during the complicated negotiations and will assure that Cyprus is an important partner and friend of the United States.

She is also expected to affirm the US commitment to Cypriot peace and security, and to point out that it is up to the leaders of the Greek Cypriot community from around the world to support the process and the tough decisions that will be required for a comprehensive solution.

[03] OVERSEAS CYPRIOTS CONFERENCE NICOSIA

The 23rd Conference of the Executive Councils of the World Federation for Overseas Cypriots (POMAK) and of the International Coordinating Committee Justice for Cyprus (PSEKA), and the 5th Annual Conference of the World Organisation for Young Overseas Cypriots (NEPOMAK) will be held in Nicosia, from 24-27 August.

The President of the Republic Demetris Christofias will address the opening ceremony tomorrow evening, which will be transmitted for the first time via the internet through the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at www.mfa.gov.cy.

The opening ceremony will also be addressed by the House President Marios Garoyan, the Archbishop of the Church of Cyprus Chrysostomos II, the Minister of Foreign Affairs Markos Kyprianou, the Presidents of POMAK, PSEKA, and NEPOMAK Haris Sophoclides, Philip Christopher and Christos Karaolis respectively, the President of the World Council of Hellenes (SAE) Stefanos Tamvakis, and the President of Cyprus Youth Board Andreas Vyras.

During the conference, representatives of several Ministries will brief delegates on issues that concern them. Presidential Commissioner Giorgos Iacovou, Government Spokesman Stephanos Stephanou, Vice President of the Committee of Cyprus Occupied Municipalities, Mayor of the Turkish occupied city of Morfou Charalambos Pittas and President of AHEPA Nicholas Karacostas will also deliver speeches during the conference.

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