Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 02-06-13

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

Thursday, 13 June 2002

CONTENTS

• [01] Statement by the Greek Foreign Minister on Cyprus
• [02] No EU Enlargement without Cyprus
• [03] Annan to reassess situation on Cyprus by the end of June
• [04] UN Secretary General meets with Greek opposition leader
• [05] Parliamentary delegation briefs US officials

[01] Statement by the Greek Foreign Minister on Cyprus

"There is no such estimation by the Foreign Ministry. The only valid estimation is that Cyprus will join the EU with the international status it holds today and which is recognized by the whole world, international organizations and the United Nations.

The only country which does not recognize this status quo is Turkey which is the only country as well which recognizes "northern Cyprus" as an existant state, no other country in the world recognizes it.

I repeat: Cyprus will join the Union with its present status quo, in case there is no solution to the political problem, and with its legally recognized government as its only representative, which typically represents the whole of the island."

[02] No EU Enlargement without Cyprus

During the meeting, Mr Kaklamanis underlined that the Greek Parliament could not accept the opinion that the EU institutions would betray their principles and succumb to blackmail against the Cypriot Republic/s candidacy to join the Union at a time when Cyprus satisfies all preconditions for accession more than any other candidate country.

The President of the Greek Parliament reiterated that should a possibility like this arise then the Greek Parliament could not, would not and will not ratify an enlargement accord which would betray the principles and the vision of the people of Europe and would exclude or postpone Cyprus/ accession to the EU.

Later on, the delegation had a meeting with the Greek Foreign Minister, Mr George Papandreou, who underlined that the two countries/ opinions coincide and that there is close cooperation between them.

The opportunity for resolving the Cyprus problem is ahead of us, he stated, adding that Greece believes in the peaceful solution of the Cyprus problem based on the UN resolutions and on the European legal framework.

The new increase of the Turkish occupation troops is a negative development, Mr Papandreou stated, noting that occupation troops have no place in modern society.

In his statements, the head of the Cypriot delegation, Mr Tassos Papadopoulos, stated that there was an exchange of views and an update of recent developments in the various prospects and problems which arose in relation to the two important national aims of the Greek Cypriots: the island/s accession to the EU and the viable solution of the Cyprus problem based on the acquis communautaire.

[03] Annan to reassess situation on Cyprus by the end of June

Replying to a press question about his meetings and talks in

Cyprus, upon his arrival yesterday, at the UN Headquarters Mr Annan said : " Well I think we had a very constructive and useful discussion with the two leaders. As you know, I saw them separately, and then we met together. I urged them to really intensify their efforts and try and reach the end of June deadline that they set themselves. Then I encouraged them to try and at least resolve all the major, all the core issues so that we can begin doing some legal drafting after that.

One of them, Mr. Clerides, thought it was possible. Mr. Denktash felt he needed a little bit more time. But of course, we will have to reassess the situation end of June to see how much progress has been made.

You also know that Alvaro de Soto came to see me in Rome a few days ago, to also share with me his own assessment of what progress is being made. So we're keeping our fingers crossed and we're going to work with the two leaders."

Asked what is the stumbling block of the two parties coming together and meeting his deadline, Mr Anan said : "I think actually it is a deadline they set themselves. And I must say, in the last couple of weeks, they've made good progress on one of the core issues. And I hope they will move ahead and make similar progress on the other core issues. What struck me when I was on the Island, was how much people would want to see this issue resolved on both sides. It was funny. I had gone to encourage the leaders to make a genuine effort, but the people were encouraging me to stick with it and push for peace, which was also a good signal that the people want it, and I hope the leaders will deliver."

Asked when is he expecting a breakthrough, the UN Secretary General said : " Well, I still would hope that they would make considerable progress by end of June. I will reassess the situation at that point and then perhaps I'll be able to answer your question."

[04] UN Secretary General meets with Greek opposition leader

Speaking to the press Mr Karamanlis said that he had a useful meeting with Mr Annan which focused on the Cyprus problem.

I avail myself of the opportunity to stress our strong will to find a permanent, viable and fair solution to the Cyprus problem, he said adding that this solution should be based on the UN resolutions and the acquis communuataire.

Referring to the Cyprus' EU accession process, Mr Karamanlis said that Cyprus would join the EU with or without a solution to its problem. Cyprus' accession to the EU will be beneficial to both communities, Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot, Mr Karamanlis concluded.

[05] Parliamentary delegation briefs US officials

During the meetings Mr Anastasiades briefed the American officials on the ongoing direct talks on Cyprus, expressing his disappointment over Mr Denktash's intransigent attitude, which is impeding the achievement of any progress in the talks.

Senators and Congressmen said that there is now a unique opportunity to reach a solution, and called upon our side to continue to negotiate in good faith. Moreover, they reiterated their support for Cyprus' accession to the EU, pointing out that a solution to the Cyprus problem is not a prerequisite for Cyprus' accession and that it is necessary for efforts to be exerted so that Cyprus may join the EU as soon as possible.

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

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