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Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 03-10-23
From: The Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office Server at <http://www.pio.gov.cy/>
[01]Thursday, 23 October 2003 US State Department's Cyprus envoy in Nicosia
for talks
[02] Foreign Ministry condemns Israeli attacks in the Middle East
[03] MacShane: A solution by 1 May 2004 would be in the best interest of
all Cypriots
[01] US State Department's Cyprus envoy in Nicosia for talks
The US State Department's Special Coordinator for Cyprus, Mr Thomas Weston,
arrived in Cyprus early today following successive visits to Ankara and
Athens as part of his tour in the region. Mr Weston was received this
morning by the President of the Republic, Mr Tassos Papadopoulos. He also
met with the Foreign Minister, Mr Georgios Iacovou.
In brief remarks to the press on his way out of the Presidential Palace,
the US envoy said he had a very good meeting with President Papadopoulos.
Invited to comment on the issue of observers for the so-called elections in
the occupied areas of the island, Mr Weston said he had to collect more
information before he could make statements on the matter. In addition, Mr
Iacovou, speaking after his meeting with the US diplomat, said he was
briefed on Mr Weston's contacts in Greece and Turkey and exchanged views
with him on his impressions from his latest trip to Ankara.
[02] Foreign Ministry condemns Israeli attacks in the Middle East
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus condemns the
recent Israeli attacks in Ramala, Gaza Strip, and West Bank, that caused
death and wounding of innocent civilians and expresses its sincere
condolences to the bereaved families of the victims. Cyprus is deeply
concerned by the deteriorating situation in the region and calls upon both
parties to show restraint and refrain from using violence which further
escalates the tension and puts further obstacles to the prospects for
peace. Cyprus supports the Road Map and believes that peace in this region
is only possible through political process, dialogue and negotiations.
[03] MacShane: A solution by 1 May 2004 would be in the best interest of
all Cypriots
British Minister for Europe, Mr Denis MacShane, has reiterated his
government's strong preference for a solution of the Cyprus problem before
1 May 2004, thus enabling Cyprus to accede to the European Union as a
reunited island. In a written answer to a question by Labour MP Mr Harold
Best, on 20 October, Mr MacShane said the British government continued to
believe that securing a comprehensive settlement on the basis of the Annan
plan by 1 May 2004 would be in the best interest of all Cypriots and of the
wider region. "It is clear that a majority of people in both the Greek
Cypriot and the Turkish Cypriot communities are also looking to their
leaders to bring this about", the British Minister said, adding that the
"best way to do so would be for the parties to re-engage on the basis of
the detailed settlement proposals presented by the UN Secretary-General".
Mr MacShane described the Annan plan as "balanced, practicable and
compatible with the EU acquis". He further noted that the President of the
Cyprus Republic, Mr Tassos Papadopoulos, had affirmed his readiness to
negotiate on the basis of the plan while the Turkish Cypriot leader, Mr
Rauf Denktash, "is opposed not only to the Annan plan but also to the
UNSG's Good Offices". "We hope that the Turkish side will find a way out of
this rejectionist stance, in time to enable all Cypriots and Turkey itself
to reap the benefits", he stressed. Referring to the EU, Mr MacShane
pointed out that it had frequently reiterated its strong preference for the
accession of a reunited island and its willingness to accommodate the terms
of a settlement negotiated through the UN process.
From the Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office (PIO) Server at http://www.pio.gov.cy/
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