Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 10-09-21

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

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

CONTENTS

[01] PRESIDENT UNSG P5 CYPRUS ISSUE

[02] FM - NEW YORK - MEETINGS

[03] FLIGHT SAFETY REGIONAL CONFERENCE

[01] PRESIDENT UNSG P5 CYPRUS ISSUE

On Monday, President Christofias hosted a luncheon for the ambassadors of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council to brief them about the latest developments in the UN led negotiations for a Cyprus settlement, a process which began in September 2008 between President Christofias and the leader of the Turkish Cypriot community.

President Chrisofias told the ambassadors that Turkeys positions and those presented by Dervis Eroglu (Turkish Cypriot leader) during the talks and their refusal to accept his constructive proposal do not leave much room for optimism about the prospect of a solution by the end of the year.

The proposals provide for linking the property issue with the territorial issue, the opening of the Turkish occupied Famagusta port in exchange for opening more EU accession chapters for Turkey and the convening of an international conference once agreement on the internal aspects of the Cyprus question is in sight.

The President said that he reiterated his position on the subject of an international conference on the Cyprus problem that more progress needs to be achieved on the internal aspects of the problem before convening such a meeting, adding that the ambassadors showed understanding on that point and stressed the need to maintain the Cypriot ownership of the talks whilst at the same time accepting the position that no solution should be imposed by outsiders.

Certain people may have a different opinion as far as Turkeys readiness to see a solution emerge by the end of the year, he pointed out, adding that he has made it clear that Turkeys own actions do not follow up on its rhetoric, which serves only communication purposes and aims to avoid taking real responsibility for its role in the Cyprus problem.

The President also informed them of his wish to have the opportunity to talk face to face with the Turkish leaders, adding that this is not an alternative to the ongoing talks. Talks will continue under the aegis of the UN S.G., he said, noting however that he would like to meet with Turkeys leaders so that he can communicate to them his vision for the solution of the Cyprus problem, which also concerns Turkey and affects its interests.

There is no reason for anyone to object to this request, he said, stressing that a refusal would be unacceptable considering that the Republic of Cyprus is a member of the UN since its establishment, is also a full member of the EU, adding at the same time that a non permanent member of the UN Security Council does not have the right to ignore the Republic of Cyprus.

On Monday President Christofias also met with Qatar Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al Thani, Illinois State Minister of Finance and US Senate candidate Alexis Giannoulias, and attended a reception hosted by German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

Speaking after his meeting with Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al Thani, President Christofias said that Cyprus Qatar relations were discussed as far as financial action is concerned and that it was necessary to oversee the implementation of various agreements signed by the two countries.

He added that they also discussed the Cyprus problem and said the Sheikh reassured him that he supports Cyprus and that he is trying to put to good use his good relations with Turkeys leadership so that Turkey will come to understand that a viable and functional solution will be to its best interests.

President Christofias expressed his hope that the Emir will visit Cyprus again soon.

The Cyprus Qatar joint venture for the development of a prime spot in Nicosia decided upon last August was also discussed and as the President said it is definitely going ahead.

On Tuesday President Christofias will address the High Level Plenary Meeting of General Assembly of the Millennium Development Goals.

On Wednesday he meet with Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou.

[02] FM - NEW YORK - MEETINGS

Kyprianou briefed his counterparts on the progress of the negotiations for the solution of the Cyprus problem and especially on a three-point proposal of the President of the Republic aiming to speed up the ongoing process, giving emphasis on the proposal to return the Turkish occupied town of Famagusta to its owners.

The proposal also provides for linking the property issue to the territorial issue and for the convening of an international conference once an agreement on the internal aspects of the Cyprus question is in sight.

During each meeting, the two sides reviewed bilateral relations and discussed ways of developing them further. Moreover, they talked about international and regional issues of mutual concern.

[03] FLIGHT SAFETY REGIONAL CONFERENCE

The Conference is co-organized by the ``Flight Safety Foundation for Southeastern Europe-Middle East-Cyprus``, the EUROCONTROL and the International Federation of Air Traffic Controllers (IFATCA).

According to a press release, the Conference, which will be addressed by the Minister of Communications and Works Erato Kozakou Marcoullis, will include presentations by experts from the EU, Flight International Foundation (FSF), the Organization for Safety in Europe (EASA) of EUROCONTROL, the IFATCA, AIRBUS and various European and Middle Eastern countries.

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