Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 02-05-22

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

Wednesday, 22 May 2002

CONTENTS

• [01] Foreign Minister meets with Russian Foreign Ministry Envoy for Cyprus
• [02] House President on an official visit to China

[01] Foreign Minister meets with Russian Foreign Ministry Envoy for Cyprus

In statements to the press after the meeting, Mr Prygin referred to the UN- led direct talks on the Cyprus problem and stressed that Russia is not pleased with the way the talks are proceeding so far. The situation has remained static and both sides need to intensify their efforts and demonstrate the necessary political will and wisdom to push the process forward, he said.

The Russian Envoy pointed out that the Greek Cypriot side maintains a positive attitude at the talks, but a more constructive and positive approach is needed from the Turkish Cypriot side. He also called on both the Greek and Turkish Cypriot sides to show perception and the will to move forward and reach a mutually acceptable solution.

Mr Prygin said the visit of the UN Secretary General Kofi Annan to Cyprus was a positive move and underlined his country's support for a more active role by the UN and a more substantive contribution by the Secretary General's Special Adviser Alvaro de Soto in the talks.

Russia believes that the Cyprus problem is at a crucial phase, a decisive turning point, he said, and noted that the current opportunity offered through EU membership creates favourable prospects for the solution of the Cyprus problem.

The Russian Envoy pointed out that if the opportunity afforded by Cyprus's European Union accession is not seized in time, the train of the solution would leave the station and there would be negative repercussions, new complications in the Cyprus problem and a new deadlock.

Concluding Mr Prygin said that Russia continues to maintain a steady position based on international law and the implementation of UN resolutions on Cyprus, which present a good and favourable framework for reaching a permanent, just, viable and comprehensive settlement.

[02] House President on an official visit to China

During the meeting Mr Christofias briefed Mr Peng on the latest developments in the Cyprus problem, noting in particular the good will of the Greek Cypriot side for a settlement as opposed to the intransigence of Ankara and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash, who insist on a solution of two states in Cyprus.

Mr Christofias thanked Mr Peng for his country's continuous support and urged China, as a permanent member of the UN Security Council, to play an even more active role towards finding a just and viable solution to the Cyprus problem. He also invited Mr Peng to visit Cyprus.

The House President underlined the need to further develop trade and economic relations between Cyprus and China and asked his Chinese counterpart to exert his influence so that China would include Cyprus in its list of official tourist destinations for Chinese citizens.

For his part, Mr Peng briefed Mr Christofias on the Chinese economy and referring to the Cyprus problem, stressed that his country supports a solution that would safeguard the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Cyprus, one that would be viable and mutually acceptable because such a solution would be to the benefit of the whole of the Cyprus people.

Responding to Mr Christofias' request Mr Peng promised that at some time in the future Cyprus, Greece and Italy would be included in the list of China's official tourist destinations.

After his meeting with Mr Christofias, Mr Peng hosted an official dinner in honour of his Cypriot counterpart, during which they continued exchanging views on international and bilateral issues of mutual interest.

In the framework of his official visit, Mr Christofias will also have meetings with the Deputy Minister of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation Mr An Min, with the Vice Chairman of the National People's Congress Mr Wang Guangying, and with the Vice Premier Mr Quian Quichen.

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

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