Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 11-01-10

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

CONTENTS

[01] SPOKESMAN - TURKEY - CYPRUS

[02] UN ENVOY - CYPRUS PROBLEM

[03] SPOKESMAN - CHANCELLOR MERKEL`S VISIT

[04] HUNGARIAN AMBASSADOR - EU PRESIDENCY - TURKEY

[01] SPOKESMAN - TURKEY - CYPRUS

Stephanou noted that Turkey must take these steps to open the way for a settlement of the Cyprus problem but also to help it move forward to its accession course.

In statements to the Press and invited to comment on statements by UN Special Adviser for Cyprus Alexander Downer that the meeting between the UN Secretary General Ban Ki moon and the two leaders in Geneva will take place on January 26, Stephanou said that we are ready for all possibilities and the President as always will continue to work to achieve a settlement.

To a remark that the chapter of territory has not been discussed so far whereas the Secretary General had asked all the chapters to be discussed, the Spokesman said that it is our position that the discussion of issues that are linked, as the issue of territorial adjustments, will help the discussion of the issue of property. This is also something included in the UN Secretary Generals statement last November that these are among the issues for discussion.

Asked if there is room for this, Stephanou said that we must wait for developments to see how things will evolve, given the fact that Mr Eroglu has health problems.

He added that the date set for the leaders meeting with UN SG has not changed and that we have our own positions and our goal is to implement them.

Replying to another question, Stephanou said that what we have begun to do is the discussion on issues in which there are differences with a view to achieve convergences.

He also noted that they would wait and see what will happen during the leaders meeting on Wednesday, in the framework of direct negotiations.

Invited to comment on statements by Turkish FM Ahmet Davutoglou that Turkey has rights on Cyprus, STephanou said that the Turkish invasion and occupation of the island are illegal and that Turkey has not right to invade and to occupy Cyprus.

He added that this constitute an illegality, as provided by the UN decisions and resolutions, which we are trying to terminate through the settlement of the Cyprus problem.

Stephanou noted that Turkey and Davutoglu himself have said that they want a settlement of the Cyprus problem. The settlement of the Cyprus question can be achieved through concrete steps which Turkey must take. It has obligations which it must fulfill, he noted adding that there are resolutions which Turkey ignores and does not implement, with a view to open the way for a Cyprus settlement and at the same time help itself to move forward in its accession course.

Turkey constantly says that it finds the Cyprus problem an obstacle and that EU chapters do not open, but this is the result first of all of its own policy, Stephanou added.

Invited to comment on a statement by Davutoglou that nobody should try to test Turkey`s patience, Stephanou said that Turkey has reversed the image and it is Turkey that does not implement the things which it must do. So, there should be no such statements on Turkeys part, he added.

[02] UN ENVOY - CYPRUS PROBLEM

Speaking after a meeting with President of the Republic of Cyprus Demetris Christofias, Downer noted that the UN Secretary General will be interested to hear how the talks have been progressing when he meets with the leaders of the two communities in Geneva later this month.

``Our assessment in the United Nations is that they have been working hard and putting forward different proposals and ideas and building bridges between the two sides. This is quite encouraging. There is a very positive atmosphere there, so I think they will have some constructive things to say to the Secretary General,`` Downer said.

[03] SPOKESMAN - CHANCELLOR MERKEL`S VISIT

He noted that the special importance of Germany`s role in Europe and in general is well known, adding that Merkel`s visit to Cyprus is very important because it underlines the sovereignty of the Republic of Cyprus and the fact that a big and powerful country as Germany looks forward at further developing its relations with the Republic of Cyprus.

``This is also our position and will and that is what the President of the Republic pursued through the invitation he extended to Mrs. Merkel to visit Cyprus,`` he noted expressing the belief that the visit will be beneficial for the further enhancement of the relations between the two countries.

[04] HUNGARIAN AMBASSADOR - EU PRESIDENCY - TURKEY

Speaking at a press conference in Nicosia, accompanied by the Ambassadors of Belgium and Spain, which make up the trio presidency, Lovro said a significant aim of the Hungarian presidency was to make the best possible progress in Turkey`s negotiations, on the basis of the benchmarks and the progress in the internal reform process.

On the issue of Turkey, Belgian Ambassador Guy Servin said that ``good progress was made in the preparation of opening of the chapter of competition.``

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