Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 11-05-06

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

CONTENTS

[01] SLOVAK MINISTER - CYPRUS ISSUE

[02] HOME FOR COOPERATION

[01] SLOVAK MINISTER - CYPRUS ISSUE

Speaking after talks with the Cypriot FM Marcos Kyprianou here on Friday, the Slovak FM spoke of the long standing and unselfish engagement of the Slovak diplomacy in facilitating the bicommunal dialogue between the leaders of both sides, the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities, which has resulted in friendly relations between our two countries.

Our aim is to further support the solution of the issue by the bicommunal dialogue and by the presence of the Slovak contingent in UNFICYP, he noted.

Replying to a question about the Slovak contingent, Dzurinda said that it will stay in Cyprus and attributed any statements to the contrary to misunderstanding in communication.

I can confirm that we are proud of being here, the position of the government hasnt changed, we are here, we stay here until the date that which will be acceptable by both sides and for the UN as well, no change is in the agenda, he added.

Slovak FM said that he assured his Cypriot counterpart of his country`s readiness to cooperate with Cyprus in the EU in the context of the forthcoming presidency of Cyprus.

He referred to the Memorandum of Understanding signed last November, which provides that Cyprus and Slovakia will share the premises of the Slovak embassy in Brazil.

Dzurinda also referred to the potential of further developing bilateral relations in the fields of education, economy and tourism. He said that Marcos Kyprianou is a friend of Slovakia and a highly respected politician in the EU.

Kyprianou said that he briefed his counterpart on the Cyprus problem and that they discussed the enlargement of the EU and Turkeys candidacy, noting that Cyprus would like to see Turkey beginning to fulfill some of the obligations towards the EU and Cyprus.

I had the opportunity to repeat the position of Cyprus, we support of course the accession of Turkey provided that Turkey meets all the requirements and conditions like any other candidate country, no discount can be made on the principle of conventionality of accession, Kyprianou added.

He expressed the gratitude of Cyprus to Slovakia for the principled support of the efforts of finding a solution to the Cyprus problem based on UN Security Council resolutions and the principles on which the EU is founded.

He also expressed Cyprus gratitude for the 10 -year presence of the Slovak contingent in UNFICYP, saying that it is a very crucial and substantial contribution which helps not only to maintain stability and peace but also contributes to the efforts of finding a solution to the Cyprus problem.

Kyprianou and Dzurinda discussed the current developments in North Africa and the Middle East, as well as economic aspects and areas in which the economic cooperation between the two countries can be further expanded.

The Cypriot FM noted that we have been working closely together in the course of the EU and other international organizations, we have always had excellent relations and similar positions on different issues like Kosovo.

[02] HOME FOR COOPERATION

President Christofias pointed out that rapprochement, between Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots, cannot by itself lead to the solution of the Cyprus problem, since the current situation in Cyprus demands active involvement and the political will of others in order to pave the way for a solution.

However, rapprochement is a necessary precondition for a solution and will safeguard its viability. This is exactly the reason why I personally, for many decades now, have been working for rapprochement and for the building of the necessary trust between Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots, he said.

President Christofias said that the Home for Cooperation is being inaugurated today, stressing however that our common home is our island, Cyprus. He expressed hope that the reunification of the island would happen soon, thus creating a better future for the whole of the people of Cyprus, for our children and grandchildren.

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