Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 02-04-30

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

Tuesday, 30 April 2002

CONTENTS

• [01] Third round of UN led direct talks concludes
• [02] Press and Information Office documentary receives international film award
• [03] Cyprus signs the Protocol for the Elimination of Discriminations against Women
• [04] Holland to open an Embassy in Cyprus
• [05] Government rejects Mr Denktash's incorrect assertions about SAR

[01] Third round of UN led direct talks concludes

The fourth round of talks will begin on Tuesday 7 May 2002, with a meeting between the two leaders at 6 pm. Following that there will be another meeting on Thursday 9 May 2002 at 10 am.

[02] Press and Information Office documentary receives international film award

The film, produced for the Cyprus Press and Information Office by the American Production Company, Peter Vogt and Associates Inc, unfolds the history of the Cyprus problem in parallel with the island's European Union accession course.

Announcing the award, the Executive Director of the Festival J. Hunter Todd said that the exceptional achievement signified by the Special Jury Award places "Beyond Division" at the highest level of recognition in the independent film festival of North America.

Moreover, the festival's press release underlines the exceptional excellence of the film and refers to the stunning scenes of Cyprus and its people today, as well as to the fascinating and dramatic historical imagery brought together with compelling contemporary interviews with journalists, statesmen and Cypriot citizens who have endured the tragic division of their country.

It also adds that the film contains uniquely candid and thoughtful interviews with internationally acclaimed journalist and author Mr Christopher Hitchens and the respected American statesman Mr Richard Holbrook.

It must be noted that the film "Beyond Division", was among 3.900 entries, which competed in various categories at the festival.

[03] Cyprus signs the Protocol for the Elimination of Discriminations against Women

The Protocol, which came into effect on 22 December 2000, empowers the UN Committee for the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women to examine applications submitted by individuals or groups that have exhausted all internal remedies. It also entrusts the Committee with the power to investigate issues relating to serious and systematic violations of the Convention.

The protocol has already been signed by 78 countries, while another 29 countries have ratified it.

[04] Holland to open an Embassy in Cyprus

According to the press release, the Government of Holland has taken this decision because it wishes to be represented in all candidate countries for accession to the European Union prior to their possible accession. Noting that at present Holland has embassies in all candidate countries except Cyprus and Malta, the press release stresses that the opening of embassies in these two countries is important, since the issue of accession becomes more and more timely.

Moreover, since Cyprus and Malta are the protagonists in the EU enlargement process it thus becomes necessary for Holland to be able to be briefed properly and in a more systematic way, in order to follow better the negotiations with the EU.

[05] Government rejects Mr Denktash's incorrect assertions about SAR

In his letter dated 17 April 2002, the Charge d'Affaires of the Permanent Mission of Cyprus to the United Nations Mr George Kasoulides replying to Mr Denktash's letter of 6 March 2002, states the following:

"Mr. Denktash's letter of 6 March 2002 makes various incorrect assertions about "unilateral changes of the provisions for search and rescue (SAR) services within the Nicosia flight information region (FIR)". He claims that these alleged changes ignore International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) rules and provisions; that they are contrary to the provisions of the 1960 treaties on Cyprus; that there is no Republic of Cyprus or Government of Cyprus competent to represent the whole island or to extend services, but merely "an administration solely composed of Greeks" and a State, the "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus"; and that, moreover, "unilateral handing over" or SAR services contradicts "the political equality of the two sides" and prevailing practical realities and is a negative contribution to what he describes as "ongoing efforts" in a "new process" to establish a "new partnership on the basis of equality".

Concerning Mr Denktash's reiteration of his well-known views as to the "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus" (hereinafter "TRNC") and the Republic of Cyprus, Mr Kasoulides, recalled Security Council resolutions 541 (1983) and 550 (1984), which declared the "TRNC" illegal and invalid and called upon all States to respect the sovereignty, territorial integrity and unity of the Republic of Cyprus. 'No State apart from the occupying Power, the Republic of Turkey, recognizes the purported "TRNC". Both resolutions call for such non-recognition and have since been reiterated', he said.

Mr Kasoulides pointed out that, in respect of Mr. Denktash's assertions about the "TRNC" having authority and providing SAR and other aeronautical services, the ICAO resolutions of 1974, 1975 and 1977 also reaffirm the sovereign responsibility of the Republic of Cyprus.

'Regrettably, Turkey's subordinate local administration, the "TRNC", through instructions from its services, from time to time endangers air traffic by attempting to interfere in the supervision of air traffic in the Nicosia FIR, whereas this is the exclusive responsibility of the Republic of Cyprus', he added.

Concerning the allegations that there is a "new process", Mr Kasoulides stressed that 'the current direct talks are being conducted in terms of the Secretary-General's mission of good offices, as stipulated in Security Council resolution 367 (1975) of 12 March 1975 and as further defined by subsequent resolutions, notably resolution 1250 (1999).'

Finally, he called upon the Turkish Cypriot leader to contribute to a positive outcome of the negotiations on the Cyprus problem:

'If Mr. Denktash genuinely wishes to contribute to a positive outcome of negotiations on the Cyprus problem, he should refrain from making invalid and unjustified complaints and cease the current barrage of correspondence and pamphlets and the extensive propaganda campaign which he and the Republic of Turkey are mounting in all international forums to secure recognition of the "TRNC" and of two States in Cyprus, an outcome in gross breach of article II of the 1960 Treaty of Guarantee.'

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

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