Cyprus Government Spokesman Daily Briefing, 03-11-20

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From: "HR-Net News Distribution Manager" <dist@hri.org>

20/11/2003

DAILY BRIEFING OF THE PRESS BY THE GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN

At today's briefing of the Press Government Spokesman Mr Kypros Chrysostomides said, inter alia, that President of the Republic Mr Tassos Papadopoulos would pay an official visit to Greece between 25-27 November at the invitation of his Greek counterpart Mr Constantinos Stefanopoulos. He added that during his stay in Athens the President would hold separate meetings with the Greek President and with Prime Minister of Greece Mr Costas Simitis.

Referring to US State Department Special Coordinator on Cyprus Thomas Weston's statements in Athens that Turkish Prime Minister's recent illegal visit to Cyprus' Turkish occupied areas might provide the possibility for the resumption of talks and that he expected fresh efforts for the resumption of talks after the so-called elections in the occupied north, Mr Chrysostomides expressed certainty that during his meeting on that day with Cyprus President the US envoy would clarify his views.

The Spokesman said that the Cyprus Government was grateful to the US Government for their ongoing involvement and interest in the Cyprus problem and especially appreciated the efforts by Mr Weston on Cyprus.

However, he added "If Turkey's intention for the resumption of talks after the "elections" in the occupied areas is interpreted as the submission of a plan on behalf of the Turkish side that will provide for two states on the island then the Government deems that such a proposal is absolutely diverting from the framework of the Annan plan, on the basis of which we want negotiations to go on, aiming to reach a solution to the Cyprus problem by 1 May 2004."

Invited to say why the Government thinks that Weston should give explanations to the President of the Republic regarding his optimism, the Spokesman said the American official "might give further details at today's meeting that will be meaningful for our side and as regards the aim of resuming the talks."

Replying to a question the Spokesman said the Government believed that Turkish Premier's visit to the occupied areas showed that Turkey supported Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash's policy on Cyprus.

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