Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 02-11-26

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

Tuesday, 26 November 2002

CONTENTS

• [01] Cyprus FM: Turkey in no rush to reach a solution before Copenhagen
• [02] Washington wishes prompt action on the Cyprus problem
• [03] UN: still no response from Denktash
• [04] 4. Security Council renews UNFICYP mandate
• [05] New Cyprus' High Commissioner to Fiji Islands presents credentials

[01] Cyprus FM: Turkey in no rush to reach a solution before Copenhagen

Mr. Kasoulides stressed that the Greek Cypriot side's goal had always been to keep up the efforts for a solution, until the very last day at Copenhagen, adding, however, that reaching a solution was not dependent exclusively on the Greek Cypriot side. "From then onwards", he added, "efforts for solving the Cyprus problem surely do not end, but go on and after Copenhagen."

Invited to comment on statements made by his Turkish counterpart, Mr. Yasar Yakis, that Mr. Denktash would respond positively to the UN Secretary- General's solution plan, Mr. Kasoulides expressed hope that this would occur the "soonest possible" in order to have time to negotiate on the plan.

Replying to a question on whether it was possible to make changes to the UN blueprint, the Cyprus Minister said that the Greek Cypriot side had given its reply and it was now up to the Turkish side to state its position. "Should there be a change of course, something that I am not aware of, the National Council will convene next Thursday and take the necessary decisions", he added.

After his visit to the UK is completed, Mr. Kasoulides will depart for Sweden, where he will hold contacts with his Swedish counterpart and the competent committees of the Swedish House of Representatives, to discuss the issue of Cyprus' EU accession course and developments on the Cyprus problem.

[02] Washington wishes prompt action on the Cyprus problem

Invited to comment on what had been discussed at the meeting between the US Undersecretary, Mr. Marc Grossman, and the new Turkish Foreign Minister, Mr. Yasar Yakis, the US Spokesman noted that the Cyprus problem was among the issues covered, as that had been a "matter of great interest" to the United States.

Mr. Boucher said that Washington had been following developments regarding the Cyprus problem and supporting the UN Secretary-General's efforts in that respect, noting: "We've been in touch, not only to our special envoys as well as with governments, but also in touch with the Europeans in terms of their interest and their appreciation of the importance of moving forward on Cyprus, and seeing what they can do in terms of the upcoming meeting in Copenhagen, as well."

He underlined that there was a "real moment of opportunity for progress" for finding a settlement to the Cyprus issue and called upon all the parties to take advantage of it and support efforts for a solution.

Invited to say whether he saw evidence that Mr. Denktash was willing to move promptly on the UN initiative of putting forward a solution plan, Mr. Boucher replied that he did not wish to "characterise" the sides, at present.

He also said that the US Secretary of State, Mr. Colin Powell, was in touch with his Turkish counterpart and that he discussed with him the Cyprus problem, over the phone, last Sunday.

[03] UN: still no response from Denktash

He added that the Special Adviser on Cyprus, Mr. Alvaro de Soto, was scheduled to meet with the Turkish Foreign Minister in Berlin today, and that the Secretary-General remained in touch with Turkey and Greece.

The UN Spokesman also mentioned Mr. Annan's meeting in Paris with the French President Mr. Jacques Chirac, saying that the Cyprus problem was among the issues discussed.

[04] 4. Security Council renews UNFICYP mandate

In a unanimously adopted resolution, the Council also called upon the Turkish Cypriot side and Turkish forces to withdraw the restrictions imposed, on 30 June 2000, on UNFICYP's operations and to restore the military status quo ante of Strovilia, a small hamlet inhabited by Greek Cypriots.

Among its various duties, UNFICYP monitors the ceasefire lines in Cyprus, which extend some 180 kilometres across the island. The buffer zone varies in width from under 20 metres to some 7 kilometres and covers 3 per cent of the terrain. Surveillance is maintained through a system of observation posts, as well as through air, vehicle and foot patrols.

UNFICYP was established in 1964 and has been renewed on a periodic basis since then. As of the end of September, the Force had 1,245 total uniformed personnel supported by 43 international civilian personnel and 104 local civilian staff.

[05] New Cyprus' High Commissioner to Fiji Islands presents credentials

Ambassador Liasides informed Mr. Seniloli of the latest developments regarding the Cyprus problem and the island's EU accession course, and exchanged views with him on bilateral and other international issues.

He also made reference to the participation of both countries in the Commonwealth, as well as to mutual interests flowing from their particularities as small island states.

The Acting President of the Fiji Islands expressed his Government's wishes for a solution of the Cyprus problem and showed particular interest as regards Cyprus' accession to the European Union.

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

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