Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 01-11-27

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

Tuesday, 27 November 2001

CONTENTS

• [01] Presentation of credentials of the new Ambassador of Ireland
• [02] Presentation of credentials of the new Ambassador of Panama
• [03] Press Release by the Japanese Foreign Ministry on the situation in Cyprus
• [04] Cyprus re-elected at the Council of the International Maritime Organisation
• [05] First Cypriot Ambassador to Burundi

[01] Presentation of credentials of the new Ambassador of Ireland

Presenting his credentials Mr Swift said, inter alia: "Ireland and Cyprus are two small islands at opposite ends of Europe but with much in common. Ireland and the independent, sovereign Republic of Cyprus are two developed economies, geographically situated on the periphery of Europe but equally conscious of their history as part of Europe and of their future as committed participants in the progressive realization of the European ideal. We share a further commitment to international organizations such as the United Nations and the OSCE. Ireland's contribution to UNFICYP over almost four decades is an important aspect of our UN peacekeeping record throughout the world of which the Irish people are particularly proud. That contribution is supplemented today by our provision of twenty members of the Garda Siochana to the UN Civilian Police which plays an increasingly important role as part of the UN presence here.

I am aware that your government has, like a number of others, been supportive of the efforts of the Government of Ireland, together with the British Government, to reach a balanced and permanent settlement of the problems of Northern Ireland. This support is deeply appreciated. In recent months, the peace process in Northern Ireland may have appeared at times to falter. Temporary setbacks may be inevitable when the problems are so complex and intractable, and our level of ambition is high. But my Government is confident that agreement on the four outstanding aspects of the Good Friday Agreement (policing, the stability of the institutions, security normalization and arms decommissioning) is within reach; and we believe that full implementation of the Agreement by all the parties is possible and that the conditions now exist to bring about a new beginning, free from violence and fear, for all the people of Northern Ireland.

Ireland has followed with admiration and close attention the advance of Cyprus towards membership of the European Union. The impressive way you have handled the negotiations and the effectiveness of your internal preparations for membership were confirmed by the European Commission in its report of November 13th. My Government is fully confident that, on the merits of the progress it has made to date, the Republic of Cyprus will be among the first states to accede next to the Union, and we note the happy coincidence that Ireland will again be responsible for the Presidency of the EU in the first half of 2004. The results of Ireland's referendum on the Treaty of Nice, which represents a hiatus in our ratification procedures, should not be interpreted as a signal of Irish opposition to the accession process in general nor to the adherence of Cyprus to the European Union in particular. As was pointed out by the Taoiseach, Mr. Bertie Ahern T.D., in Cyprus last January, the Government and people of Ireland look forward with great enthusiasm to your early membership.

The Government of Ireland fully shares the preference of the European Union that a settlement of the Cyprus problem under United Nations auspices be reached before the accession of Cyprus to the EU ; in line with the Helsinki Summit, this is not a precondition for Cyprus membership of the EU. We see EU accession and the efforts of the UN as mutually reinforcing ; in our view, a significant opportunity for the successful conclusion of both processes now exists.

Ireland is grateful for, and supports, the continued efforts of the Secretary General and his Special Representative, Mr. Alvaro de Soto, to advance the good offices mission. Ireland fully supports the efforts of the Secretary General to achieve a political solution based on a bi-zonal, bicommunal, federal approach, consistent with previous resolutions of the Security Council. We are following with interest the discussions and arrangements for direct talks between President Clerides and Mr. Denktash in a UN context; and I have been asked to express the hope of my Government that these contacts will be fruitful in helping to find solutions to all aspects of the Cyprus problem."

Replying the President of the Republic said: "Mr Ambassador, it is a pleasure to welcome you to Cyprus and to receive from you the Letters of Credence accrediting you as the first resident Ambassador of Ireland to the Republic of Cyprus. I am pleased to assure you of my full support and assistance in carrying out your ambassadorial duties. I wish at the outset to affirm that my Government accords great significance to further strengthening and enhancing the close and friendly ties of partnership and cooperation that exist between our countries on a full range of bilateral, regional and global issues. These solid bonds are firmly based on our common adherence to the lasting principles of justice, respect of human rights and the rule of law, principles which form the foundation of the European civilization, which both our countries share.

I am fully convinced that the accession of the Republic of Cyprus to the European Union will further strengthen our relations. In this respect, I express the belief that we can continue to rely with confidence on Ireland's valuable support to the steady course of Cyprus towards accession to the European Union. Ireland with its prominent role and active engagement in the affairs of the European Union is well placed to contribute towards the fulfilment of our rightful aspiration for an early accession to the European Union, as well as for the attainment of the long overdue solution of the Cyprus problem.

Your country has always maintained a principled and constructive attitude regarding the Cyprus problem and has extended its steadfast support to our efforts to reach a just, viable and lasting solution, for which we are grateful. Cyprus still lives with the tragic consequences of the 1974 Turkish invasion, the subsequent partition of the island and all the faits accomplis which were imposed by the occupying power through the illegal use of military force. The thousands of refugees, the missing persons, the enclaved, the destruction of the cultural heritage in the occupied area and the violation of the fundamental human rights of the Cypriot people constitute some of the key aspects of the stark reality created by the Turkish aggression against the Republic of Cyprus.

It is highly regrettable that despite the active involvement of the international community and the goodwill and constructive approach demonstrated all these years by the Greek Cypriot side, all efforts undertaken so far for a peaceful settlement of the Cyprus problem were systematically rejected by the Turkish side which has not demonstrated a political will for a comprehensive, just and functional solution. Unfortunately, Turkey continues to the present day to maintain its intransigent stance undermining the future of the current UN-led peace process. Despite the difficulties our side remains firmly committed in its search for a solution which will ensure the prosperity and security of all Cypriots, within a united Cyprus, a federal Cyprus, free from occupation forces and illegal settlers, where the human rights of all citizens Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots will be safeguarded.

I wish to seize the opportunity to commend your country's constructive contribution in the search for lasting peace and for reconciliation in Northern Ireland. With wisdom and pragmatism you have made and continue to make committed efforts to address effectively the problems related to Northern Ireland and particularly to secure the full implementation of the Good Friday Agreement, pushing thus forward the frontiers for permanent peace, stability and prosperity in the island".

[02] Presentation of credentials of the new Ambassador of Panama

Presenting his credentials Mr. Quintero said, inter alia: ĞIt is a special honour for me to submit the Credentials nominating me as the Ambassador of Panama to the Republic of Cyprus.

The history of our relations demonstrates a high level of cordiality, and that is why my arrival in this country of such a glorious and long history is of great importance. In this country I hope to find the traces of ancient civilizations, which had left their impression on this island: Greeks, Romans, Crusaders, English, Phoenicians, Persians, Egyptians, Venetians and Assyrians have given Cyprus part of their cultures, which together with the ancient Cypriots have formed what Cyprus is today.

Panama has a very good international cooperation with all the countries of the world, including the small countries which are very far away from each other.

Replying the President of the Republic said, inter alia:

ĞMr. Ambassador, it is indeed with great pleasure that I officially welcome you to Cyprus and receive the Letters of Credence accrediting you as the new Ambassador of the Republic of Panama to the Republic of Cyprus.

Between Cyprus and Panama, a strong bond of friendship has developed since 1960, when Cyprus gained its independence. Our countries are linked together by their common commitment to the principles and ideals enshrined in the United Nations Charter and numerous human rights conventions.

Cyprus and Panama have over the years closely collaborated in many international organizations and fora, strongly defending sacred principles and ideals, such as the principle of national sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence".

Referring to the Cyprus problem, President Clerides said:

"For the past twenty-seven years the people of Cyprus have been living with the sad reality of the division of their country, as a result of the Turkish invasion of 1974.

The International Community has time and again condemned the Turkish occupation in Cyprus and called upon all states to respect the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of the Republic of Cyprus.

A just and viable solution to the Cyprus problem has always been the first and foremost priority of our foreign policy. Despite the active involvement of the International Community and the political will demonstrated by the Cyprus Government, the problem is still unresolved due to the Turkish intransigence and outright disrespect of United Nations resolutions as well as the norms of international law.

We hope that the International Community will exert all its influence on the Turkish side to come to the negotiating table with goodwill so as to pave the way for a peaceful solution to the Cyprus problem, based on the relevant United Nations Resolutions, the two High Level Agreements of 1977 and 1979, the respect of human rights for all Cypriots and of course the acquis communautaire of the European Union. Such a solution will lead to the creation of a bicomunal, bizonal federation with a single sovereignty, one international personality and one citizenship for all Cypriots.

At this crucial time, Panama's support is valuable. We appreciate your long- standing solidarity for the implementation of the United Nations Resolutions on Cyprus which provide a framework and basis for a viable and lasting solution to the question of Cyprus".

[03] Press Release by the Japanese Foreign Ministry on the situation in Cyprus

Japan expresses the hope that these talks will succeed and that the Cyprus problem will be resolved peacefully and in a short time framework through dialogue between the two sides.

[04] Cyprus re-elected at the Council of the International Maritime Organisation

Cyprus' High Commissioner to Britain, in her speech on 23 November 2001, submitting Cyprus' candidacy said that Cyprus has the sixth greatest shipping fleet in the world and the island's re-election will assist in the fulfilment of the Organisation's aims and in the reduction of the gap between the developed and developing countries.

[05] First Cypriot Ambassador to Burundi

The Cypriot Ambassador briefed President Buyoya on the latest developments in the Cyprus problem and the island's accession course to the EU. He also thanked the President of Burundi for his country's firm support for a solution to the Cyprus problem based on the UN Resolutions and on International Law.

President Buyoya assured the Cypriot diplomat that Burundi will always support the solution of the Cyprus problem based on UN Resolutions and that this support will be provided in all international fora.

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

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