Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 12-03-07

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

CONTENTS

[01] President committed to September 2009 statement

[01] President committed to September 2009 statement

The National Council, the top advisory body to the President on the handling of the Cyprus problem, concluded on Wednesday four all-day sessions during which it discussed all issues relating to the course of the ongoing talks for a political settlement, without consensus on the way forward.

``The President listened carefully to the positions of all the members of the Council,`` Stephanou said in statements after the day-long session.

He added that ``during the meeting the President reaffirmed his commitment to the joint statement issued after the National Council meeting of 18 September 2009 and pointed out that his proposals and handling of the Cyprus problem are in line with the September statement.``

The National Council on 18 September 2009 reaffirmed its insistence on finding a peaceful settlement of the Cyprus problem on the basis of UN resolutions on Cyprus and the high level agreements of 1977 and 1979 which provide for a bizonal, bicommunal federation, with political equality, as set out by UN Security Council resolutions, stressing that the settlement must achieve the unity of the territory, the people, the institutions and the economy.

It also said that the settlement must comply with international law, European principles and values, the acquis communautaire, as well as international conventions on human rights.

The National Council also noted that the United Republic of Cyprus must have a single sovereignty, international personality and citizenship, and must constitute an evolution of the Republic of Cyprus. The settlement must provide for the withdrawal of Turkish occupation troops and settlers, and the ultimate goal must be Cyprus’ demilitarization with the withdrawal of the British Bases from the island (which Britain has retained after Cyprus’ independence).

Stephanou assured that the President will continue his efforts for a solution based on the relevant UN resolutions, the principles of international and European law and the 1977 and 1979 High Level Agreements, adding that the President ``will continue efforts to address Turkey`s negative and provocative stance.``

Asked if the absence of consensus on the way forward in the Cyprus talks could be considered as a failure, Stephanou said the political parties outlined their positions, adding that the President argued his case with regard to his positions and the policy followed on the Cyprus problem.

``We believe that the National Council could reaffirm the 2009 joint statement and that is what the President had asked for, but unfortunately different views prevailed,`` Stephanou noted.

He pointed out that the National Council is an advisory body which cannot take binding decisions by majority. Only unanimous decisions are binding to the President.

Stephanou said the President is bounded by his election programme.

``This is his commitment to the people,`` he concluded.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkish troops invaded and occupied its northern third.

Peace talks are currently underway to find a negotiated settlement that will reunite the country, under a federal roof.

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