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Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 03-10-17
From: The Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office Server at <http://www.pio.gov.cy/>
[01]Friday, 17 October 2003 President Papadopoulos reiterates Greek Cypriot
side's readiness to return to negotiating table
[02] Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemns Gaza terrorist attack
[03] Ministry of Foreign Affairs congratulates China for first manned space
mission
[01] President Papadopoulos reiterates Greek Cypriot side's readiness to
return to negotiating table
The President of the Republic, Mr Tassos Papadopoulos, has reiterated the
readiness of the Greek Cypriot side to engage in new talks for a comprehensive
settlement of the Cyprus problem on the basis of the Annan plan whenever
called for by the UN Secretary-General. Speaking yesterday in Brussels at
an event organised by the European Policy Centre entitled "The Cyprus
problem: Prospects for a settlement", President Papadopoulos noted that two
events had changed the "scenery of the Cyprus problem", namely, the tabling
of the Annan plan and the signing of Cyprus' EU Accession Treaty.
As regards the Annan plan, Mr Papadopoulos described it as "the most
comprehensive plan which aims at dealing with every aspect of the Cyprus
problem", and added that it had opened the way to serious negotiations for
reaching a settlement. At the same time, he noted that the Annan plan
needed improvements to render it more workable and thus viable, and
underlined that all the amendments the Greek Cypriot side was pursuing did
not aim at upsetting the balance and parameters of the plan.
Mr Papadopoulos further said that Ankara and the Turkish Cypriot leader
Rauf Denktash were insisting on a solution of two separate sovereign states,
something that would be "a true nightmare for Cyprus". "It is unthinkable
in a time when barriers came down in Europe to have two separate sovereign
states in an island so small", he stressed. Referring to Cyprus' forthcoming
accession to the European Union on 1 May 2004, the President said it was
"an irreversible course" and reiterated the Government's wish for a
solution prior to accession so that a reunified Cyprus could join the
Union. However, he added, in case of no settlement by May 2004, the Greek
Cypriot side would not cease its efforts but redouble them. The event at
the prominent Brussels think-tank was attended by European Commission
officials, envoys of foreign embassies in Brussels, and EU policy
makers. President Papadopoulos travelled to Brussels to attend the
extraordinary European Council meeting on 16-17 October.
[02] Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemns Gaza terrorist attack
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs unequivocally condemns the recent terrorist
attack in the Gaza strip that caused loss of lives of American citizens.
The Government and the people of Cyprus would like to extend their profound
grief and to convey their most sincere condolences to the families of the
innocent victims and to the American Government. This despicable act of
terror is another shocking event in the long and vicious cycle of violence
in the Middle East that jeopardizes the peace effort of the Quartet.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expresses once more the readiness of the
Cyprus Government to contribute in any way possible to the success of this
effort, which it considers decisive for the future of the region.
[03] Ministry of Foreign Affairs congratulates China for first manned space
mission
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus warmly congratulates
the Government of the People's Republic of China for the successful launch
and safe return of its first manned space mission. This event manifests the
significant technological progress of China and constitutes a significant
achievement for the Chinese nation and a positive contribution to
humankind. Space exploration will definitely be enriched with the
contribution of China, a nation with a distinguished history in research
and science.
The Government and the people of Cyprus share this moment of joy with the
Government and the people of the friendly country of the People /s Republic
of China, and wish them continued safe manned space missions for the
benefit of future generations through the peaceful exploration of
space.
From the Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office (PIO) Server at http://www.pio.gov.cy/
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