Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 01-07-20

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

Friday, 20 July 2001

CONTENTS

• [01] President's message on the 27th anniversary of the military coup and the Turkish invasion
• [02] British Foreign Secretary: Status quo in Cyprus is unacceptable

[01] President's message on the 27th anniversary of the military coup and the Turkish invasion

It is up to the will of political leaderships now to make this desire of the citizens a reality, he said, adding that the Greek Cypriot community was ready for such an agreement which would benefit equally Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots and which would be consistent with the Security Council resolutions, the Human Rights Conventions, the decisions of the European Court of Human Rights and generally with the international law and the acquis communautaire as this is applied in the European Union of which Cyprus will become a member.

Referring to the efforts of the international community for the resumption of the intercommunal talks, President Clerides said that the Greek Cypriot side had already expressed its readiness to participate in the continuation of the proximity talks, with bravery and flexibility, on the basis of the parameters set by the United Nations.

However, the President also made it clear that he would not re-enter peace talks that would simply get the Turkish side out of the difficult position to which it has been led by its negative policy, without leading to substantial negotiations.

"We are also opposed to talks which bind our side in advance on issues of substance which can be discussed only at the negotiating table. I have already, in the most official way, made myself clear to the United Nations and other interested states on these issues", the President said.

Referring to the Cyprus EU accession talks, he expressed his satisfaction for the progress made so far in the harmonization effort and he said that the stand of the Greek-Cypriot side would be decisive in the final outcome of the accession process to the European Union.

"But I want to state emphatically that we will not make unacceptable concessions for the sake of accession", the President said.

Moreover, he repeated his appeal to the Turkish-Cypriot community to participate in Cyprus' EU accession negotiating team.

President Clerides said that as long as the Cyprus problem remains unresolved, he would continue to strengthen the defence of the free areas in the context of the joint Defence Doctrine between Cyprus and Greece.

"On this occasion", he added, "once again, I would like to express thanks and gratitude on the part of the Greek Cypriots for the invaluable assistance being offered to us by the Greek Government, the whole political leadership of Greece and the brotherly Greek people in our struggle, especially in the diplomatic efforts for our accession to the European Union as well as in the defence sector".

Concluding his message, President Clerides reassured all those who have suffered from the consequences of the coup, the invasion and the occupation that the government will continue to be by their side.

[02] British Foreign Secretary: Status quo in Cyprus is unacceptable

Mr Tambourides asked the British official to exert pressure on Turkey to withdraw its occupation troops from the northern part of Cyprus and implement the relevant UN resolutions and the High Level Agreements for a bizonal, bicommunal federation.

In his reply, Mr Straw said that the status quo in Cyprus was unacceptable and that the British Government shared the concerns about the lack of a settlement in Cyprus.

The UK, together with its EU partners and the US will continue to support the ongoing UN settlement process, Mr Straw said.

The UK firmly believes that the UN process offers the best chance of achieving a just, lasting and comprehensive solution to the Cyprus problem, Mr Straw added.

In conclusion, the British Foreign Secretary assured Mr Tambourides that his Government would remain committed to working with the UN Secretary General to help achieve such a solution and would continue to urge all concerned, including Turkey, to co-operate with him in a flexible and positive manner.

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

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