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Sunday, 22 December 2024
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Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 96-10-02Cyprus Press and Information Office: News Updates in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office Server at <http://www.pio.gov.cy/>News Update2/10/96CONTENTS
[01] President Clerides: The international community must exert its influence on the Turkish side to abandon its intransigence on CyprusCyprus President Glafcos Clerides has said that the Greek Prime Minister Costas Simitis' intense interest in Cyprus has strengthened the determination of Greek Cypriots to continue their struggle to seek a solution through peaceful means based on the 1977 and 1979 high level agreements, the UN resolutions and Cyprus' accession to the European Union.Speaking on Tuesday (1 October) at a dinner held in honour of Simitis who is on a two-day visit to Cyprus on the occasion of Cyprus' Independence Day, Clerides hoped the planned new initiative on Cyprus would be the most important in recent years. We all hope it will end in a just, viable and workable solution that will reunite the divided island and make it possible for the Greek and Turkish Cypriot communities to live in harmony, in conditions of security and peace, he said. He pointed out, however, that for this vision to become a reality, the international community, and in particular the Permanent Members of the UN Security Council, must exert their influence effectively on the Turkish side so that it abandons its positions which are contrary to the principles of international law and legal order. "It they move whithin this framework, our side will respond with courage and imagination as we fervently desire a solution the soonest - if possible before the start of Cyprus-EU accession negotiations", he said. The Turkish side insists on maintaining its unacceptable positions on the basic aspects of the Cyprus problem, instead of seeking a solution which is also acceptable to the Greek Cypriot side, he observed. "It is for this reason that we insist on finding common ground which will guarantee a successful outcome before attending direct negotiations", he stressed. [02] Promotion of Cyprus' accession to the EU could act as a catalyst in finding a settlement says Greek PremierSimitis, replying to President Clerides' address, said the Cyprus problem was going through an extremely delicate phase, whose outcome would determine the future of the island and the Greek Cypriot people.While Turkish provocations and intransigence are increasing, the international organisations, and particularly the big powers which are interested in a solution, have not so far demonstrated the necessary political will or exerted their influence on the Turkish side, he said. Simitis believed a colossal effort was required at a diplomatic level for the reversal of the effects of the invasion and occupation. Simitis said priority should be given to the promotion of Cyprus' accession course, the start of accession negotiations six months after the end of the EU Intergovernmental Conference and their conclusion as soon as possible. For this reason serious preparation is required as well as close cooperation between Greece and Cyprus and diplomatic actions which will link Cyprus' accession with the broader question of EU enlargement, he added. Simitis believed the promotion of Cyprus' accession to the EU could act as a catalyst in achieving a just settlement. However, accession to the EU is under no circumstances conditional on the prior solution of the Cyprus problem, he stressed. Simitis also referred to the joint defence doctrine between Cyprus and Greece, saying there would he no reason for its existence if President Clerides' proposal for demilitarization was adopted. "All those who are interested in a peaceful solution of the Cyprus problem must exert their efforts in this direction", he said. [03] US ready to support efforts leading to united CyprusMany foreign leaders have sent congratulatory messages to President Clerides on the occasion of Cyprus' Independence Day on Tuesday.In his message on the occasion, US President Clinton hoped that Cyprus would "emerge from the current period of intercommunal difficulties and embark on a reinvigorated course to peace". The United States, he said, stood ready to support efforts which would lead to intercommunal accord and a united island. A congratulatory message was also received from Greek President Constantinos Stephanopoulos in which he noted that Cyprus' accession to the European Union would benefit all Cypriots and contribute to peace and progress on the island. [04] Foreign Ministers reaffirm status quo in Cyprus unacceptableThe Ministers of the Five Permanent Members of the Security Council reaffirmed that the status quo in Cyprus in unacceptable. "They urged both sides to make a determined effort to achieve a comprehensive political settlement. They expressed their concern at the recent tension between the two communities and called on both sides to exercise restraint. They stressed their support for the new Special Representative of the Secretary- General for Cyprus and the importance of concerted efforts to work with the Secretary-General towards a comprehensive settlement. In this context, they also noted the decision of the European Union concerning the opening of accession negotiations with Cyprus".The position of US Secretary of State Warren Christopher, British Foreign Secretary Malcolm Rifkind and the Foreign Ministers of Russia Yevgueni Primakov, France Herve de Charette and China Qian Qichen was contained in a joint statement issued on Thursday after their meeting with the UN Secretary-General. From the Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office (PIO) Server at http://www.pio.gov.cy/Cyprus Press and Information Office: News Updates in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |
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