Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 02-08-28

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

Wednesday, 28 August 2002

CONTENTS

• [01] Direct Talks on the Cyprus problem resume
• [02] Cyprus protests Turkish violations of Nicosia FIR
• [03] Cyprus and Greece sign agreements
• [04] British MPs visit Cyprus

[01] Direct Talks on the Cyprus problem resume

The regular meetings between the President and Mr Denktash are taking place under the aegis of the United Nations, in the framework of direct talks for finding a solution to the Cyprus problem.

The Spokesman for the UN Secretary-General, Mr Fred Eckhard highlighted that yesterday's meeting was "the 50th face-to-face meeting between the two men since the direct talks began on January 16".

"The two leaders will meet again this Friday, August 30, and next Tuesday, September 3rd, prior to traveling to Paris to meet the Secretary-General on September 6", Mr Eckhard added.

[02] Cyprus protests Turkish violations of Nicosia FIR

In his letter of 27 August, addressed to the UN Secretary-General, Mr Zackheos also added: "I would like to note that these violations are occurring despite the fact that direct talks are being held in Cyprus at Your Excellency's invitation in the exercise of your mission of good offices. I would also like to recall that the Security Council has given its full support to this mission of good offices, conducted pursuant to the Security Council Resolution 1250 and noting in its most recent statement of 9 July, that the Turkish Cypriot side had been less constructive in its approach, has strongly underscored the need for the Turkish side in particular to change its negative stance."

Finally, Ambassador Zackheos expressed hope that the "Government of the Republic of Turkey will show restraint, cease the violation of the airspace of Cyprus and heed the call of the international community by contributing to the efforts to find a just and viable solution to the Cyprus problem on the basis of the United Nations resolutions."

[03] Cyprus and Greece sign agreements

The agreements were signed by Cyprus Minister of Commerce, Industry and Tourism Nicos Rolandis and Greek Minister of Development Akis Tsohatzopoulos, while the Memorandum was signed by the chairmen of the two organizations.

Speaking to the press, Mr Rolandis described the signing of these agreements as historic and as the beginning of a new era for the further enhancement of the relations between Cyprus and Greece.

For his part, Mr Tsochatzopoulos said that the agreements aimed at the reinforcement of production and the cooperation between the two countries and also at the connection of enterprises with new technology.

The Greek Minister underlined the determination of Greece and Cyprus in the new page that turned with the perspective of Cyprus' EU accession. He added that the aim was to claim Cyprus' accession to the new environment of the European Union and the Economic Monetary Union, on equal terms.

Mr Tsochatzopoulos concluded by saying that the contribution of the two ministries to the common development course of Greece and Cyprus constituted an additional important contribution to the safeguard of the Republic of Cyprus in relation to its security, its European perspective, as well as its economic and social development.

[04] British MPs visit Cyprus

During the meeting, the British MPs were briefed on the latest developments in the Cyprus problem, and especially on the course of the direct talks between the President of the Republic of Cyprus Mr Glafcos Clerides and the Turkish Cypriot leader Mr Rauf Denktash.

The House President stressed that the solution of the Cyprus problem must be based on the relevant UN resolutions and underlined that the issue of sovereignty could not be an object of compromise for the Greek Cypriot side. Mr Christofias asked of the British MPs to use their influence to the British Government for support in the solution of the Cyprus problem in this framework.

The British MPs expressed their full support in the case of Cyprus, and reiterated their determination to continue the efforts to promote a just solution to the Cyprus problem.

The British MPs also held a meeting with the President of the Foreign Affairs Parliamentary Committee, Mr Nikos Anastasiades.

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

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