Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 02-01-11

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

Friday, 11 January 2002

CONTENTS

• [01] Missing persons issue discussed between Clerides and Denktash
• [02] Greek Prime Minister meets with President Bush
• [03] Kaklamanis: Cyprus and Greek parliamentarians must coordinate their cooperation

[01] Missing persons issue discussed between Clerides and Denktash

The meeting took place at the residence of Mr Wlosowicz in the UN- controlled buffer zone in Nicosia and will resume again at 4.00 pm.

[02] Greek Prime Minister meets with President Bush

In a brief statement to the press after his meeting with President Bush at the White House, the Greek Prime Minister referred to Cyprus as follows:

"We spoke about Cyprus, the necessity of finding a political solution, but also the necessity of the accession of Cyprus to the European Union".

Mr Simitis then replied to various questions during a press conference.

Asked if the American administration wishes to publicly declare that it would like to see a political solution of the Cyprus problem before 2002, Mr Simitis said that, from discussions he had with President Bush and Mr Rumsfeld, he was given the impression that both place special importance to the continuation of Cyprus' European Union accession negotiations and that absolutely nobody said anything about the political solution being a precondition for accession.

Replying to another question Mr Simitis said that during his meeting with President Bush he had expressed his government's wish for the continuation of the talks for finding a political solution in Cyprus. He stressed, however, that there should be a sincere change in Mr Denktash's stance and not merely tactical moves for the creation of a good impression. The solution of the Cyprus problem necessitates a new approach on behalf of the Turkish Cypriot community, he added.

Asked if he was given the impression that the Americans were willing to become directly involved in the Cyprus talks' procedure beginning on 16 January, or to exert their influence on Turkey to change its stance on Cyprus, the Greek Premier said that America's involvement in the talks was not an issue under discussion, adding that it is reasonable for the United States to observe, express opinions etc. Finally, Mr Simitis said that the impression he got was positive, namely that the US wished a just and viable solution to the Cyprus problem.

[03] Kaklamanis: Cyprus and Greek parliamentarians must coordinate their cooperation

The focus of discussion at the meeting was the further coordination of cooperation between the parliaments of the two countries.

Mr Kaklamanis pointed out that a coordinated cooperation between the Greeks and Cypriot parliamentarians, especially those who participate in international organisations, an issue which was also discussed recently with the President of the House of Representatives Mr Christofias, will assist the promotion of Cyprus' EU accession course as well as its national cause.

On his part Mr Pantelides briefed the President of the Greek Parliament on the latest developments in Cyprus.

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

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