|
|
|
Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 03-08-25
From: The Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office Server at <http://www.pio.gov.cy/>
[01]Monday, 25 August 2003 President Papadopoulos addresses Conference of
Overseas Cypriots
[02] Government ready to resume peace talks regardless of outcome of so
called "elections" in occupied areas, says Government Spokesman
[01] President Papadopoulos addresses Conference of Overseas Cypriots
The President of the Republic, Mr Tassos Papadopoulos, opened this morning
the sessions of the 13th World Conference of Overseas Cypriots, which takes
place at the 'Hilton Park' Hotel in Nicosia. In his opening address,
President Papadopoulos briefed the participants on the latest developments
concerning the Cyprus issue and reiterated the Government's readiness to
negotiate for a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem, on the
basis of the Annan plan, "without terms or preconditions". At the same time
he pointed out that some amendments to the plan were necessary to render a
final settlement viable and functional. Such a settlement would be to the
benefit of the entire Cyprus people, both Greek Cypriots and Turkish
Cypriots, the President added. "We urgently seek a functional and viable
solution, but we should not be pushed into a fragile arrangement because
such an arrangement would lead to a devastating adventure", Mr Papadopoulos
said. The President further noted that the UN Secretary-General, Mr Kofi
Annan, was fully aware of the Greek Cypriot side's readiness to resume
peace talks and he considered that the amendments to his plan, proposed by
the Greek Cypriot side, fell within the parameters and philosophy of the
plan. Making reference to the recent partial lifting of restrictions on
movement by the illegal occupation regime, Mr Papadopoulos stressed that it
was merely a manoeuvre of the Turkish side aiming to create the impression
that two separate and sovereign entities existed on the island and that the
sole issue at stake was the establishment of "good neighbourly relations".
President Papadopoulos said that these Turkish manoeuvres had basically
proven the fallacy of the Turkish claim that Greek Cypriots and Turkish
Cypriots could not live together peacefully, but failed to convince that
such moves could ever lead to a solution. In his speech, the President also
noted the significant role of overseas Cypriots in promoting Cyprus and its
cause abroad, and pledged that the Government would assist them in their
efforts. Participating in the conference are around 200 representatives
of organisations of overseas Cypriots abroad, such as the World Federation
of Overseas Cypriots (POMAK), the International Coordinating Committee -
Justice for Cyprus (PSEKA), and the World Federation of Overseas Cypriot
Youth (NEPOMAK).
Addressing the conference will also be, inter alia, the President of the
House of Representatives, Mr Dimitris Christofias, the Minister of Foreign
Affairs, Mr Georgios Iacovou, the Government Spokesman, Mr Kypros
Chrysostomides, and the Presidents of POMAK and PSEKA, Mr Haris Sophoclides
and Mr Philip Christopher, respectively. The conference's sessions will
close on Thursday, 28 August, while on Friday, 29 August, there will be a
press briefing at the Press and Information Office.
The conference is organised by POMAK with the support of the Service for
Overseas of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
[02] Government ready to resume peace talks regardless of outcome of so
called "elections" in occupied areas, says Government Spokesman
The Government Spokesman, Mr Kypros Chrysostomides, has reiterated the
Government's readiness to resume negotiations for a comprehensive
settlement of the Cyprus problem by 1 May 2004, on the basis of the Annan
plan, regardless of the outcome of the so called "elections" in the Turkish
Cypriot community. Commenting on a statement by the Chairman of the Turkish
Cypriot Chamber of Commerce, Mr Ali Erel, that he would "challenge"
President Papadopoulos and the Greek Cypriots after the "elections" to
accept the Annan plan, Mr Chrysostomides noted, "A challenge for us is
nothing more than the acceptance of the position that we wish to negotiate".
"If the Turkish side wants to negotiate in any way, then I repeat that, as
the President of the Republic has stated time after time, we are ready to
resume negotiations on the substance of the Annan plan for a final
settlement of the Cyprus problem, even before 1 May 2004", the Government
Spokesman said, adding that if a solution was not possible by then the
Government would continue its efforts for a settlement, with the same
dedication, and after May 2004.
From the Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office (PIO) Server at http://www.pio.gov.cy/
|
