|
|
Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 04-01-19
From: The Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office Server at <http://www.pio.gov.cy/>
[01]Monday, 19 January 2004 President Papadopoulos in Athens for talks with
Greek Premier
[01] President Papadopoulos in Athens for talks with Greek Premier
The President of the Republic, Mr Tassos Papadopoulos, is in Athens today
for talks with the Greek Prime Minister, Mr Costas Simitis, regarding
developments on the Cyprus problem. He will also have meetings with the
President of the Hellenic Republic, Mr Constantinos Stephanopoulos, and
parliamentary party leaders. Speaking yesterday at Larnaca Airport upon his
departure for the Greek capital, President Papadopoulos noted, replying to
press questions, that the Cyprus Government would consider any US
involvement in the peace talks through observers as a serious problem.
"The US involvement and interest are being expressed all this time and I do
not see any reason for this to change", Mr Papadopoulos said, adding that
the negotiations for a settlement of the Cyprus issue were being conducted
within the framework of the United Nations. Invited to give the Government's
response to a Turkish demand for US observers to attend the peace talks,
the President noted, "The talks are being held under the auspices of the UN
Secretary-General and both the participants and those interested in them
are determined". Replying to another question Mr Papadopoulos said he had
no information about a possible resumption of the UN-sponsored talks in the
first week of February but reiterated the Greek Cypriot side's readiness to
proceed to the negotiating table whenever the UN Secretary-General would
call for new talks. He further expressed will for a settlement by 1 May
2004, the date of Cyprus' official accession to the European Union.
From the Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office (PIO) Server at http://www.pio.gov.cy/
|