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Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 04-02-09
From: The Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office Server at <http://www.pio.gov.cy/>
[01]Monday, 09 February 2004 President Papadopoulos holds talks in Athens
on his way to New York
[02] National Council reiterates G/C side's support for UN peace efforts
[03] Cyprus condemns bomb attack in Moscow underground
[04] EPP Congress adopts resolution on Cyprus
[01] President Papadopoulos holds talks in Athens on his way to New
York
The President of the Republic, Mr Tassos Papadopoulos, departed yesterday
for New York, stopping in Athens for talks today with the Greek Prime
Minister, Mr Costas Simitis and the Foreign Minister, as well as with the
Greek opposition. Mr Papadopoulos will then continue his trip to New York
in view of a meeting tomorrow with the UN Secretary-General, Mr Kofi Annan,
aimed at resuming negotiations for a solution of the Cyprus problem on the
basis of the Annan plan.
The President will be accompanied to New York by former President of the
Republic Mr Glafcos Clerides, AKEL General Secretary Mr Demetris Christofias,
Democratic Rally President Mr Nicos Anastasiades, Socialist Movement EDEK
President Mr Yiannakis Omirou, Foreign Affairs Minister Mr Georgios Iacovou,
Government Spokesman Mr Kypros Chrysostomides, Director of the President's
Diplomatic Office Mr Tasos Tzionis and constitution-expert Mr Toumazos
Tselepis. Speaking upon his departure yesterday, Mr Papadopoulos said he
would be meeting with the Greek leadership and the opposition, today in
Athens, and he would then fly to New York, responding to the UN Secretary-
General's invitation.
Invited to comment on a statement by Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash
that he was going to New York with goodwill and with the aim to reach a
settlement, President Papadopoulos noted, "I truly hope that this is his
intention and mood, as is ours". "We are going with goodwill, always, and
we support the commencement of the negotiations on the basis of the Annan
plan. Our aim remains to reach a settlement by 1 May", he added.
Replying to another question, the President said that "if there is mutual
political will, the UN Secretary-General's timeframe can be met".
[02] National Council reiterates G/C side's support for UN peace efforts
The National Council - the top advisory body to the President of the
Republic on the handling of the Cyprus problem - convened last Saturday to
continue discussions on the UN Secretary-General's invitation to the Cyprus
sides to go to New York for new talks on the Cyprus issue. Speaking to the
press after the meeting, Government Spokesman Mr Kypros Chrysostomides made
the following announcement: "The National Council, presided by the
President of the Republic, convened today and dealt with the current
situation as it has developed, following the UN Secretary-General's letter
to the President of the Republic. The meeting was conducted in a spirit of
responsibility and understanding and there was a wide exchange of views and
in depth discussions on all the relevant aspects. There was also a
discussion on issues of substance and procedures. Our side reiterates its
firm policy and readiness to support the UN Secretary-General's effort in
seeking a solution to the Cyprus problem, and the President of the Republic
with his entourage will attend the meeting with the UN Secretary-General,
in New York. The members of the National Council expressed their opinions
and suggestions. The President of the Republic will handle the issues in
New York, taking into consideration the views and suggestions that have
been expressed."
[03] Cyprus condemns bomb attack in Moscow underground
The Government and people of Cyprus have condemned Friday's terrorist
attack in the Moscow underground, which led to the loss of the lives of
tens of innocent people. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a statement
issued on Friday, expressed Cyprus' strong repulsion for the attack,
describing it as a "blow against civilized humanity".
The Ministry further expressed deep sympathy and sincere condolences to the
Russian government and the relatives of the victims. In addition, President
Papadopoulos conveyed, last Saturday, the following message of condolences
to the President of the Russian Federation, Mr. Vladimir Putin:
"Excellency, It is with profound sorrow and abhorrence that I have been
informed of yesterday's terrorist attack in the Moscow underground, which
has cost the lives of so many innocent people. I wish to convey to you, on
behalf of the people of Cyprus, my Government and myself, our most sincere
condolences and deepest sympathy.
We unreservedly condemn this heinous and murderous terrorist act which
constitutes an attack not only against the Russian people but also against
all humanity and the very foundations of our civilisation. The Government
and people of Cyprus stand in solidarity with you at this terrible time and
in the collective fight against terrorism. We reaffirm our unwavering
opposition to and condemnation of all terrorist violence regardless of what
form it may take or what its motives may be. The Government of the Republic
of Cyprus remains steadfast in its support for the efforts of the
Government of the Russian Federation to preserve and safeguard the
territorial integrity of the country and fully aligns itself with the
international community's struggle against terrorism. Please accept,
Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration together with the
sincere expression of my deepest sympathy and solidarity."
[04] EPP Congress adopts resolution on Cyprus
The European People's Party (EPP) has adopted the following resolution on
Cyprus, during its XVI Congress on 4-5 February in Brussels:
"The EPP underlines its strong preference for accession into the European
Union of a united Cyprus. Regrettably, the efforts of the United Nations
Secretary-General to find a solution to the Cyprus problem have not yet
succeeded. The EPP calls for an early resumption of peace talks on the
basis of the UN Secretary-General's proposals. The EPP considers that there
are favourable conditions for the two communities to reach a comprehensive
settlement of the Cyprus problem before Cyprus' accession to the EU on 1
May 2004. The accession of a united Cyprus to the European Union would
benefit all Cypriot citizens and promote civil peace and reconciliation. It
would also contribute to the overall stability in the region. The EPP
recalls that efforts to resolve the Cyprus problem form part of the
enhanced political dialogue between the European Union and Turkey. As
repeatedly stressed by the European Council, Turkey, together with all
parties concerned, has a decisive interest in providing determined support
for efforts towards a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem. The
EPP believes that the absence of a settlement could become a serious
obstacle to Turkey's EU aspirations. It is unthinkable for a country to
aspire to begin accession negotiations with the European Union, as long as
the obstacles already mentioned in the resolution of the United Nations
have not been removed."
From the Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office (PIO) Server at http://www.pio.gov.cy/
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