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Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 03-03-17
From: The Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office Server at <http://www.pio.gov.cy/>
[01]Monday, 17 March 2003 President Papadopoulos hopes that the UN will
continue their efforts for the solution of the Cyprus problem.
[01] President Papadopoulos hopes that the UN will continue their efforts
for the solution of the Cyprus problem.
The President of the Republic Mr Tassos Papadopoulos left Cyprus on Friday,
for a private visit to the United States of America. Replying to press
questions on the Cyprus problem at Larnaca airport before his departure,
the President said that the Greek Cypriot side is asking for a way to be
found for the continuation of negotiations to solve the Cyprus problem. The
United Nations, however, have stated that their current effort has come to
an end, Mr Papadopoulos said, adding that the Government is now awaiting
the submission of the Report to the UN Security Council and the Council's
relevant decision Asked if the Greek Cypriot side has briefed foreign
governments on the failure of the talks at The Hague, the President said
that the government did what had to be done.
Replying to a question on the possibility of an appeal to the UN Security
Council, President Papadopoulos said that an appeal to the Security Council
is made when there is a threat against peace. Asked if there would now be a
freezing period for the Cyprus issue, the President expressed the hope that
the efforts of the United Nations would, one way or another, be continued.
Invited to comment on Mr Denktash/s statement that it is the Greek Cypriot
side which is responsible for the deadlock at The Hague, President
Papadopoulos pointed out that the United Nations Secretary-General, who was
present at The Hague, has formed his own opinion and knows well that all
the responsibility lies with the Turkish Cypriot leader Mr Denktash and the
Turkish side. Asked if he saw any change in Turkey's policy, the President
said that there was no change so far and that even Mr Erdogan/s statements
before The Hague and his election to the Turkish National Assembly were
vague. "Now, with his statements and his stance he seems to fully support
Mr Denktash/s positions" he added. Replying to a question on whether he
still considered the 16 April as a landmark date in relation to the
solution of the Cyprus problem, Mr Papadopoulos said that the 16 April had
been set by the European Union as the day of the signing of the Accession
Treaty for all the 10 candidate countries for EU accession.
Invited to comment on the protests of the Turkish Cypriots, who want the
solution of the Cyprus problem, the President said that the Turkish
Cypriots/ wish for a solution mainly lies in the fact that if a united
Cyprus acceded to the European Union, they would be entitled to the
benefits and advantages offered by the EU.
From the Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office (PIO) Server at http://www.pio.gov.cy/
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