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Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 03-09-11
From: The Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office Server at <http://www.pio.gov.cy/>
[01]Thursday, 11 September 2003 Minister of Foreign Affairs sends letter of
condolences for the death of Swedish Foreign Minister Anna Lindh
[02] Greek Foreign Minister begins contacts in Cyprus
[03] Foreign Ministry condemns suicide attacks in Israel
[01] Minister of Foreign Affairs sends letter of condolences for the death
of Swedish Foreign Minister Anna Lindh
The Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr George Iacovou has sent the following
letter of condolences to the Prime Minister of Sweden Mr Goran Persson for
the death of the Swedish Foreign Minister Anna Lindh: "It is with the
deepest sorrow and sadness that I have learned of the death of my dear
colleague Anna Lindh, following yesterday's abhorrent attack against her
life. I extend my most sincere condolences and deepest sympathy to her
family and loved ones and wish them strength and courage. I strongly
condemn this brutal act of violence that caused the death of a dear
colleague, a most competent and committed minister and a well known
political figure in Europe and the world over. Anna Lindh possessed all
those special qualities that made her so popular in her country and beyond.
Her death is not only a loss for Sweden but a great loss for the European
family of nations. Anna Lindh was known for her devotion to European ideals
and principles and had worked tirelessly to promote our common interests
and goals within the European Union, being in particular a committed and
strong proponent of the enlargement of the Union. Cyprus lost a true friend
who consistently supported the reunification of the island and our
accession to the European Union. Her visit to Cyprus in late 2000 was
instrumental in further consolidating the bonds between our two countries.
Please allow me to convey a message of deep sorrow and grief to the
government and the people of Sweden over this national tragedy. My thoughts
and prayers are with you at this, the most difficult of times."
[02] Greek Foreign Minister begins contacts in Cyprus
Greece's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr George Papandreou, arrived
yesterday afternoon in Cyprus for a two-day visit. Welcoming Mr Papandreou
to Cyprus, the Foreign Minister, Mr Georgios Iacovou, praised the
harmonious bilateral relations and the close cooperation between the two
Ministries. He also thanked Mr Papandreou and the Greek government for
their incessant support over the years in the efforts to resolve the Cyprus
problem and Cyprus' bid to accede to the European Union. On his part, the
Greek FM made particular reference to the future of Cyprus in the EU,
noting that the island could play a very significant role in the Middle
East and the Arab world as an EU member state. He added that Cyprus had to
be involved in the day-to-day affairs of the Union in order to enhance its
clout within the European family and take advantage of the benefits
emanating from EU membership. Following his statements at Larnaca airport
upon arrival, Mr Papandreou left for Nicosia where he had a meeting with
his Cypriot interlocutor in the presence of delegations from both
Ministries. In remarks to the press after the meeting, Foreign Minister
Georgios Iacovou said that the discussion had focused on the Cyprus problem,
Cyprus-EU affairs and in particular the harmonisation process, issues
pertaining to individual applications to the European Court of Human Rights,
and possible problems to arise at the Islamic Conference next month in
Kuala Lumpur. Mr Iacovou underlined that there was a full identity of views
on the measures that had to be taken by the two governments.
Expressing his full agreement with the Cypriot FM, Mr Papandreou further
said that bilateral ties were entering a new dimension as a result of
Cyprus' accession to the EU. Asked to comment on a statement by the Turkish
Cypriot leader Mr Rauf Denktash regarding the preparation of a new plan to
replace the UN Secretary-General's solution plan (Annan plan), the Greek
Foreign Minister stressed that Cyprus and Greece had the same approach
towards the Annan plan and pointed out that it was not necessary to comment
on every new idea that came out or try to interpret Mr Denktash's
tactics. "The international community has clearly indicated that we expect
signs of political will by the Turkish side for a resolution of the Cyprus
problem", Mr Papandreou added.
After his meeting with Mr Iacovou, Mr Papandreou was received by the
President of the Republic, Mr Tassos Papadopoulos. President Papadopoulos
described his encounter with the Greek Foreign Minister as "very fruitful
and interesting" and added that the two delegations had discussed a variety
of issues, including the Cyprus problem, on which Greece could offer
support in international fora. On his part, Mr Papandreou said it was "a
very constructive discussion that took place in a spirit of a new era for
Cyprus, in light of its accession to the European Union", and referred to
the "self-confidence of Cyprus in handling the Cyprus problem and the new
opportunities arising". President Papadopoulos, invited to comment on
possible "surprises" by the Turkish Cypriot leader, said that "he who is
responsible for the illegality in Cyprus is the only person who can take
the initiative to lift this illegality". He added that any initiative which
would lift Mr Denktash's illegality was welcomed.
Mr Papandreou, also invited to comment on the issue, underlined that to
occupy oneself with Mr Denktash's tactics and moves, which did not aim at a
comprehensive solution of the Cyprus problem, was not helping the Cyprus
cause. Replying to another question on whether he expected to hear
suggestions for Camp David-type talks on the Cyprus problem during his
forthcoming visit to the US, the Greek FM said that nothing of the sort had
been mentioned so far except in various articles that had been around for
the last twenty years.
[03] Foreign Ministry condemns suicide attacks in Israel
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly condemns the recent suicide
attacks that took place on 9 September in Israel. The Government and the
people of Cyprus would like to express their profound grief and extend
their condolences to the families of the victims of these heinous terrorist
attacks and to the Government of Israel. The Government of Cyprus
reiterates once more its firm and unequivocal support to the Road Map which
should be espoused as the only way to terminate the violence that brought
so much grief to both Palestinians and Israelis in the last three
years. It urges both sides to remain committed to the implementation of the
Road Map and to refrain from all acts and activities that not only bring so
much pain and destruction but also distance the parties from the course and
cause of peace.
From the Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office (PIO) Server at http://www.pio.gov.cy/
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