Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 02-10-03

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

Thursday, 3 October 2002

CONTENTS

• [01] President Clerides in New York for UN peace talks
• [02] UN Secretary-General's statements on New York meetings
• [03] Commerce Minister holds contacts in Moscow
• [04] House President's speech at conference on Cyprus in Britain
• [05] Message by US President for Cyprus' Independence Day

[01] President Clerides in New York for UN peace talks

Speaking upon his arrival in New York, the President told reporters that "the talks have not managed so far to pave the way for a settlement because the Turkish side insists on the creation of two independent states, the abolition of the Republic of Cyprus and the creation of some sort of link between the two sovereign states".

Invited to say what would happen if there was a deadlock at this round of talks, President Clerides replied that neither side would withdraw from the talks, which "are mostly a debating society and not a negotiating platform". "Each side presents its arguments and explains its positions, without, however, convincing the other", he added.

Asked whether the issue of territory would be discussed, Mr. Clerides said that "an effort was made repeatedly to discuss it, but the Turkish side refuses to discuss the issue of territory until certain other things of interest to it are clarified".

Prior to that, upon departing from Larnaca airport on Tuesday evening, President Clerides told the press that it was hard to predict what the meetings would entail, adding that "the positive thing we do know, since it has been mentioned to us, is that the UN Secretary-General will not submit any written thoughts or ideas for a settlement of the Cyprus problem".

Asked to comment on Mr. Annan's statement regarding the continuation of the peace talks if not solution is found by December, the Cyprus President said that "the fact that the talks will continue if there is no solution after we enter the EU, is not only the Secretary-General's position but also the position of the EU". In case that the talks do continue, that will not constitute an impediment to Cyprus' EU accession course, the President explained.

With regard to statements by the Turkish Prime Minister, Mr. Ecevit, that Cyprus is of vital importance to Turkey and that there are "two separate states" on the island, Mr. Clerides said that "this was and continues to be Mr. Ecevit's government policy". The policy of the new Turkish government, to be elected on 3 November, is not yet known, he concluded.

After his arrival in New York yesterday, President Clerides had meetings with the British Envoy for Cyprus, Lord David Hannay and the US State Department Special Coordinator for Cyprus, Mr. Thomas Weston.

Mr. Weston, speaking to the press after his meeting with Mr. Clerides, noted: "we are looking forward to the discussions that take place the next few days and we are hopeful of very good results from those discussions." Asked whether he had seen Mr. Denktash, the US official replied that he planned to see him before leaving New York.

[02] UN Secretary-General's statements on New York meetings

"I would want to review with them what has happened since then [September], and how we move forward as we get to the end of the year. And when I met with them in May, there were indications that we should be able to make progress by the end of the year. The end of the year is around the corner, so I want to review with them how we get there", Mr. Annan added.

Asked whether he will be submitting any plan at the meetings, the UN Chief responded negatively, saying "I have no intention of doing more that I have said".

Finally, Mr. Annan stated that he did not see February's presidential elections in Cyprus as an obstacle to the peace process, "not at this stage" at least.

[03] Commerce Minister holds contacts in Moscow

The Cyprus Commerce Minister met on Tuesday with the Mayor of Moscow, Mr. Luskov, who claimed that Cyprus held a prominent position regarding foreign investments in Russia and was one of the most important reference points for Russian businesspeople and tourists.

Mr. Rolandis briefed the Moscow mayor on the Cyprus Government's efforts regarding the EU accession talks and expressed the hope that Cyprus would continue to be one of the most important supporters of Russian business activity.

The Cyprus Minister also had contacts with travel agents and other officials in the Russian capital, and assured them of the Government's determination to come up with the most efficient method to deal with the requirement of visas for Russian nationals, in order to avoid the negative repercussions on the influx of tourists and businesspeople from Russia.

[04] House President's speech at conference on Cyprus in Britain

In his speech, Mr. Christofias, expressed the hope that Cyprus would join the EU as an equal member state within the first wave of the enlargement process and added that both "the Greek Cypriots and the Turkish Cypriots have a lot to gain from Cyprus' accession to the EU, as this will consolidate the necessary conditions that will fight mistrust and bridge the gap created by a grievous past".

The House President emphasized that the prospect of EU membership has accelerated the search for a solution to the Cyprus problem, and referred to Ankara's and Mr. Denktash's policy, which "unfortunately is to obstinately keep the Turkish Cypriot community out of the accession process."

Mr. Christofias also underlined the good will and constructive position of the Greek Cypriot side at the intercommunal talks, as contrasted to the Turkish side's intransigence. He also called upon Britain, as a Security Council permanent member-state, but also a guarantor power, to work decisively and actively towards finding a settlement to the Cyprus problem.

Addressing the meeting, the British Minister for European Affairs Mr. Peter Hain, assured that Britain remains committed to the 1999 Helsinki European Council decisions and added that "a new EU with a new Cyprus inside it, will be better for Britain and better for all Cypriots." Mr. Hain pointed out that the original driving force of European reconstruction and reconciliation between enemies to heal the wounds of history were nowhere more relevant than in Cyprus. He also expressed certainty that "it will prove possible to find a settlement which respects everyone's vital interests", and noted "there is still time to achieve the "best case scenario".

[05] Message by US President for Cyprus' Independence Day

In his message, President Bush reaffirms the strong friendship between the US and Cyprus, adding the following:

"The United States remains firmly committed to supporting efforts to find a comprehensive, just and lasting solution to the differences that have divided Cyprus for far too long. As we work hard on this issue in the crucial weeks and months ahead, I greatly appreciate your courage and determined leadership and encourage all concerned parties to remain flexible and constructive."

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

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