Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 00-12-13

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From: The Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office Server at <http://www.pio.gov.cy/>

Wednesday, 13 December 2000

CONTENTS

• [01] Luxembourg strongly supports the proximity talks under the aegis of the United Nations
• [02] President Clerides: Bizonal, bicommunal federation is the ultimate concession
• [03] Albania supports a peaceful solution of the Cyprus problem
• [04] New Malaysian High Commissioner to Cyprus

[01] Luxembourg strongly supports the proximity talks under the aegis of the United Nations

Presenting his credentials to President Glafcos Clerides yesterday, Mr Kartheiser said, "it is high time for everybody to realize that this issue must be resolved very soon and in full accordance with UN Security Council Resolutions and the conclusions of the Helsinki European Council."

Referring to Cyprus' European Union accession course, he praised the progress made in the negotiations, noting that Cyprus feels rightly proud for having succeeded so quickly and efficiently in closing an impressive number of Chapters.

Mr Kartheiser pointed out that the results of the Nice European Council have cleared the way for the accession of new member states to the Union. "As the representative of one of the smaller member states I can note with satisfaction that the institutional arrangements that have been agreed upon, continue to give every member state sufficient influence within the Union and guarantee that every state can make its voice heard and defend its rightful interests," he added.

The new Ambassador said that Cyprus' history is not only fascinating but also demonstrates that every country, be it small or large, can make an outstanding contribution to European history and civilization in general. He also referred to the excellent bilateral relations that exist between Luxembourg and Cyprus and expressed the wish for further developing relations in the economic field and extending them to new areas of cooperation.

[02] President Clerides: Bizonal, bicommunal federation is the ultimate concession

Presenting his credentials to President Glafcos Clerides, Ambassador Pillarella stated that Canada wishes to see a mutually acceptable permanent settlement negotiated by the two Cypriot communities.

"While we recognize the complexities and difficulties of the issues involved, only the two parties themselves, drawing on the invaluable good offices of the United Nations Secretary General, can achieve the desired settlement. Canada strongly supports his efforts and those of his Special Representative", he said.

The UN-led proximity talks provide the two sides with a timely and effective mechanism to make progress, he said. If these efforts are to succeed, the parties must show good faith, understanding, flexibility, perseverance, courage and political leadership, he added.

Accepting the credentials, President Clerides stressed that the Greek Cypriot side has the political will to negotiate a just and viable settlement of the Cyprus problem, which will be based on a bizonal, bicommunal federation according to the United Nations resolutions, the norms of international law the respect of human rights and the acquis communautaire of the European Union.

"The acceptance of a bizonal, bicommunal federation by our side was a historical and extremely difficult compromise since Cyprus has never in its history been territorially divided on ethnic lines. Bizonal federation is the ultimate boundary beyond which my government is not prepared to go", he said.

President Clerides stressed that his Government will not accept any solution, which is tantamount to legalizing the tragic results of the Turkish invasion and the subsequent occupation of 37% of the territory of Cyprus. "Such a solution would set a terrible historical precedent and would encourage violations of international law by the more powerful states, thus jeopardizing peace and stability in the world", he said.

Cyprus' accession to the European Union as well as Turkey's aspirations to become an EU member "open a unique window of opportunity to put an end to the division of the island provided that the international community plays the necessary role in taking advantage of this positive and dynamic process.

The Turkish Cypriot community itself must seize this historical opportunity, which can bring peace and stability on the island," he concluded.

[03] Albania supports a peaceful solution of the Cyprus problem

During the meeting, the further strengthening of relations was discussed as well as the establishment of friendship groups in the respective parliaments.

[04] New Malaysian High Commissioner to Cyprus

Referring to relations between Cyprus and Malaysia, Mr Abdullah said that "for the past several years, we have witnessed a steady increase of cooperation, both at the bilateral as well as at the multilateral levels," adding that there is potential for the expansion of bilateral trade and economic cooperation between our two countries".

From the Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office (PIO) Server at http://www.pio.gov.cy/

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