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Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 03-03-14
From: The Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office Server at <http://www.pio.gov.cy/>
[01]Friday, 14 March 2003 UN Security Council will not abandon efforts to
reach a solution in Cyprus
[02] Statements by the Minister of Commerce, Industry and Tourism
[03] Australian Foreign Minister expresses disappointment at the failure of
the Cyprus talks
[04] Cyprus ratifies Protocol No 13 to the Convention for the Protection of
Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms.
[01] UN Security Council will not abandon efforts to reach a solution in
Cyprus
The Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr George Iacovou expressed the certainty
that the UN Security Council will not abandon the efforts of reaching a
solution to the Cyprus problem. Speaking on his return from The Hague on
Wednesday evening, where he represented the Republic of Cyprus at the
Inaugural Ceremony of the International Criminal Court (ICC), Mr Iacovou
said that he did not share the view that the UN effort had reached "the end
of the road", and that the UN Secretary General, despite his disappointment
over the talks/ deadlock in The Hague earlier this week, would not abandon
the Cyprus issue but would continue to show interest.
The Foreign Minister noted that during his visit in The Hague he had the
opportunity to discuss the Cyprus issue with many Foreign Ministers, as
well as with the Dutch Prime Minister, who expressed the view that Turkey
and the Turkish Cypriot leader were responsible for leading the longstanding
initiative of the UN Secretary General to a disaster. Asked to comment on
the Turkish Cypriot leader's statement that he wishes to continue talks
with Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos, Mr Iacovou said: "It is not the
first time we hear such a statement from Mr. Denktash, who always tries to
drive away the interest of the international community, the UN Secretary
General and other organisations and appear to have an equal status with the
lawful President of the Cyprus Republic.'' Invited to comment on the change
in Mr Erdogan's stance, the Foreign Minister said that in the international
community, a matter of credibility is raised for Mr Erdogan who kept giving
reassurances to all and the whole initiative was based on his personal
assurances that Mr. Denktash would either be in The Hague to sign (a Cyprus
solution) or somebody else would sign in his place. Asked if he had any
plans to visit New York, the Foreign Minister said that due to the Iraqi
crisis such a trip would not be fruitful at this stage.
[02] Statements by the Minister of Commerce, Industry and Tourism
The Minister of Commerce Industry and Tourism Mr George Lillikas replied to
press questions yesterday after the meeting of the Council of Ministers.
Invited to comment on the observations, included in a letter sent by the EU
Commissioner for Enlargement Mr Gunter Verheugen on the issue of energy in
Cyprus, Mr Lillikas said that he was not aware of such a letter. "If such a
letter has been sent, it will be studied," he added. Regarding the issue of
energy in Cyprus, the Minister stated that the first aspect of the issue
relates to the fuel resources that Cyprus must have on the basis of the
European Union directive. The possibility of an agreement with Greece on
this issue was discussed with his Greek counterpart Mr Tsohatzopoulos, and
an interstate agreement will soon be signed, he said. On the second aspect
of the issue of energy, which relates to the liberalisation of the purchase
of electricity, Mr Lillikas said that "the relevant law is ready and after
some minor adjustments are made, it will be submitted to the House of
Representatives." Finally, on the aspect of renewable sources of energy,
the Minister said that the relevant law is expected to be submitted to the
House of Representatives for approval.
Mr Lillikas said in conclusion that the improvement of incentives offered
for producing energy from renewable sources will be examined in due course
and it is possible that strengthening measures will be announced.
[03] Australian Foreign Minister expresses disappointment at the failure of
the Cyprus talks
The Australian Foreign Minister Mr Alexander Downer issued a statement
yesterday in which he expresses his disappointment at the failure of the
Cyprus talks: "I am disappointed that the latest talks hosted by the United
Nations Secretary-General in The Hague on 10 March 2003, in an intensive
effort to broker a lasting peace for all Cypriots, have been unsuccessful.
A unique opportunity has been lost. However, I am heartened that the UN
Secretary-General's plan remains on the table and Greek Cypriot President,
Tassos Papadopoulos, and Turkish Cypriot leader, Rauf Denktash, have
expressed their willingness to continue talks. I urge both leaders to work
towards the eventual reunification of Cyprus for the sake of all Cypriots.
I share the desire of many Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots for peace
and reunification. I commend the role of the United Nations Secretary-
General and his staff, as well as Australia's Special Envoy for Cyprus, the
Hon. Jim Short, in their attempts to broker a solution to the Cyprus
dispute."
[04] Cyprus ratifies Protocol No 13 to the Convention for the Protection of
Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms.
The Permanent Representative of Cyprus to the Council of Europe Ambassador
Nicolaos Emiliou handed on 12 March 2003 to the Secretary General of the
Council of Europe Mr Walter Schwimmer, the instrument of ratification of
Protocol 13 to the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and
Fundamental Freedoms, concerning the abolition of the death penalty in all
circumstances. The protocol will come into effect after a total of ten
countries ratify it. So far it has been signed by 31 Council of Europe
member states and ratified by a total of nine countries.
From the Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office (PIO) Server at http://www.pio.gov.cy/
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