Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 11-03-15

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

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

CONTENTS

[01] CHRISTOFIAS ABBAS MEETING

[02] PRESIDENT ISRAEL FORUM

[03] DOWNER - UNSC - CYPRUS TALKS

[01] CHRISTOFIAS ABBAS MEETING

President Christofias who was talking during a joint Press Conference with Abbas after the signing of five agreements earlier on also noted that he informed the latter of the recent developments regarding the Cyprus issue.

``I underlined that we want the achievement of a just, viable and functional solution which will end the occupation and the illegal settling, reunify the state and its people, its institutions and its economy based on international law principles within the framework of a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation with political equality as described in the relevant resolutions of the UN Security Council``, he said.

President Christofias went on to say that ``we are working towards the achievement of a solution which will provide for a single state, with a single sovereignty, a single international personality, a single nationality, in which human rights will be respected and the prerequisites of peace and prosperity for all the people of Cyprus will prevail``.

``Our leaderships and our people`` he said, ``are guided by basic principles and values such as the implementation of international law and the respect of UN resolutions and territorial integrity and national sovereignty``.

These are the principles, he added, upon which the peaceful settlement of both the Cyprus and the Palestinian problem ought to be based.

Speaking of the bilateral relations between the Republic of Cyprus and the National Palestinian Authority President Christofias said that the five agreements signed today bear witness to the fact that they at an excellent level and are constantly deepening.

On the occasion of the historic visit and as a gesture of the solidarity of Cyprus towards the Palestinian people President Christofias announced the donation of one million dollars to be used for the construction of a clinic.

Referring to the Israeli Palestinian conflict President Christofias said that Cyprus is strongly positioned in support of the creation of an independent, viable, sovereign state, adding that Cyprus supports a solution which will be in accordance with international law, the relevant UN resolutions, the Road Map, the agreements between the two parts and the Arabic peace initiative which as he said is the foundation for the prevalence of peace in the region.

``Cyprus, which has for the 37 years been a victim of the Turkish invasion and occupation and illegal settlement cannot accept the settlement of the occupied territories in the West Bank and Eastern Jerousalem or the existence of a dividing wall``.

``I had the opportunity yesterday`` he said, ``to speak with the Israeli leadership and to share with them my thoughts for the need to settle all elements of the Israeli - Palestinian conflict``.

President Christofias also expressed his satisfaction because as he noted he has gathered that President Abbas is making sincere and substantial efforts towards the reconciliation between Palestinians.

As a sincere friend of the Palestinian people, he added, I am unreservedly against its division which does not serve Palestinian interests and the prospects of peace of prosperity.

On his part Abbas thanked President Christofias and the Republic of Cyprus for giving hospitality and help to a number of Palestinian refugees from Iraq, adding, however that they ought to respect the law of the Republic and the customs of the country.

Responding to a question about the parallel development and deepening of relations of Cyprus with both Israel and the National Palestinian Authority he said that the Authority welcomes such actions, which as he noted, contribute to the resolution of problems.

[02] PRESIDENT ISRAEL FORUM

President Christofias who was addressing a Cypriot - Israeli Business Forum noted that the ``economic prosperity is now confronted by challenges everywhere in the world``, adding that ``in the current financial crisis, it has become clear that there is tremendous room for improvement of bilateral economic cooperation among strategic partners``.

``Let me assure you``, he said, that ``for the Cyprus government, Israel is one of our most important strategic partners``.

President Christofias said Cyprus is ``committed to strengthening our ties, making them even stronger in the future``, adding that ``a strong and productive relationship between Cyprus and Israel is important to both our economies and will help to further strengthen our bilateral ties in the fields of trade, investments and tourism``.

He also referred to the talks he held on Monday with President Peres and Prime Minister Netanyahu stating that ``we decided to strengthen our relations in all fields``.

``We welcome Israeli businesses eager to invest in Cyprus or conduct business with Cypriot companies``, he noted, expressing the belief that ``Cyprus offers very attractive benefits and opportunities for Israeli companies to establish their presence on the island or use Cyprus as a hub to access the European Union, as well as other Middle Eastern and Mediterranean markets``.

[03] DOWNER - UNSC - CYPRUS TALKS

According to diplomatic sources, after informing the UNSC members, Downer replied to questions and listened to their views.

In statements after the meeting, Downer expressed satisfaction with the support of the members of the UN Security Council towards the UN efforts to reach a solution in Cyprus and added that there are no timeframes as regards the negotiations, but the talks must maintain the momentum and advance constructively.

Noting that Friday will mark the 100th meeting between the leaders of the two communities in Cyprus since the launching of the direct talks in September 2008, Downer said that this 100th meeting will offer an opportunity to all parties to assess the progress of the previous 99 meetings, adding that it is important that this meeting and the ones to follow build a momentum towards an agreement.

Asked about the possibility of a new common meeting between the leaders of the two communities in Cyprus with UNSG Ban Ki moon, Downer said that this would depend on the progress achieved at the negotiating table.

He explained that the UNSG will contact the two leaders late March and exchange views with them as to whether they believe it is worth to have a new meeting between them in April.

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