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Monday, 30 December 2024
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Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation: News in English, 03-01-31Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation at <http://www.cybc.com.cy/>CONTENTS
[01] headlinesPresident Clerides said there are strong hopes for a Cyprus settlement this year, if Turkey's new government reins in the country's all-powerful military,Foreign Minister Ioannis Cassoulides said efforts towards a settlement will intensify as the international community wants a solution by the February 28 target date, Turkish newspapers report a growing rift between Tayip Erdogan and the country's foreign minister Yashar Yiakish, And US President George W Bush is meeting today with his staunchest ally, British Prime Minister Tony Blair to discuss their course of action on Iraq. [02] De SotoPresident Clerides met with Rauf Denktash this morning as part of ongoing face-to-face Cyprus settlement talks.The meeting was held at the disused Nicosia Airport in the presence of UN Cyprus envoy Alvaro de Soto. Mr. De Soto said after a meeting with President Clerides last night that there will be no changes to the way negotiations are being conducted. Asked if the UN are drafting a revised settlement bluprint, Mr. De Soto said he is waiting to see the outcome of the direct negotiations and that submission of any revised document is a different matter. [03] CleridesPresident Clerides said there are strong hopes for a Cyprus settlement this year, if the new Turkey's new government manages to subdue and override the country's political and military establishment.In an interview with the English-language newspaper The Cyprus Weekly, the President of the Republic noted that Turkey's new government bears no relation with political parties that formed previous governments and knows full well that Cyprus will stand as an obstacle to Ankara's wishes for European Union membership if the island's political problem remains unresolved. President Clerides said despite the fact that Rauf Denktash is a "prisoner" of the past and entrenched in his positions, in the end, he is obliged to heed Ankara's wishes. The President added that Rauf Denktash cannot resist Turkey's will, even though he may attempt to back out of settlement efforts by "heroically" resigning. [04] CassoulidesForeign Minister Ioannis Cassoulides said efforts towards a Cyprus settlement will intensify in the coming weeks as foreign governments are keen to stick to the February 28 target date.Asked to comment on the Greek Prime Minister's remark that settlement efforts appear to be deadlocked, Mr. Cassoulides said the UN are trying to find ways of reaching a settlement by the target date. He added that UN diplomats are aware that up till now, talks have produced no results and are trying to find alternatives that will work. Referring to reports of another revised UN blueprint coming soon, Mr. Cassoulides said the Greek Cypriot sides is compelled to take a proactive stance because the document may contain some unacceptable provisions. The Foreign Minister added that Rauf Denktash will never agree to a Cyprus settlement, since he is a prisoner of the past. [05] WestonUS State Department special Cyprus coordinator Thomas Westion said Turkish leader Tayip Ergoan is determined to move ahead with efforts to reach a Cyprus settlement by the February 28 target date.But he conceded that Rauf Denktash does not share Mr. Erdoan's determination. Addressing the Hellenic American Institute in Washington, Mr. Weston said that the all-powerful Turkish military is divided over Cyprus and does not hold a common policy line, although in the end, the generals will support a solution. Mr. Weston said the US administration, as well as the international community, will do all they can to support Turkey's new government on the Cyprus issue. The US official added that the UN blueprint is functional and falls in line with European Union law, since it was forged in close cooperation with the bloc. [06] PapapetrouAnd on the election front, Government Spokesman Michalis Papapetrou said the public has to carefully consider what it would mean to remove President Clerides from the island's political helm, especially during the next few months.Mr. Papapetrou said Glafcos Clerides's re-election offers assurances to the people of Cyprus of a settlement that would rid the island of Turkish occupation troops and lines of division, and would bring a reunified Cyprus into the European Union. The government spokesman added that if elected, presidential candidate Tassos Papadopoulos would need one or two years to convince the international community that he is not a hardliner. That would mean crucial time needed for a Cyprus settlement would be lost. [07] YakisTurkish newspapers report a growing rift between Turkish leader Tayip Erdoan and the country's new foreign minister, Yashar Yiakish.According to Turkish daily Miliyet, Mr. Yakish will be left out of office if and when Mr. Erdoan assumes the post of prime minister. The newspaper attributes the rift to the fact that Mr. Yakish's views on Rauf Denktash are completely opposite to those of Mr. Erdoan. During his recent illegal visit to the occupied north, Mr. Yakish said Turkey's government stands by Rauf Denktash's side, while Mr. Erdoan criticises the Turkish Cypriot leader of not wanting a Cyprus settlement. The paper also reports that Mr. Yakish is accused by Turkey's opposition parties of having an extra-marital affair with his secretary, something that he vehemently denies. He has also launched libel action against the newspapers that reported the alleged affair and is seeking damages of 40 billion Turkish lira. Mr. Yakish's lawyers have also presented a certificate to the court confirming the secretary's virginity. [08] IraqU.S. President George W. Bush is meeting today with his staunchest ally, British Prime Minister Tony Blair, as a divided Europe continues to be wary of rushing to war with Baghdad.This, as the official Iraqi press attacked the US President, calling him a "super-idiot" and alleging Washington might rig evidence of biological, chemical or nuclear weapons in order to trick the UN into backing its war aims. Iraq said it took Mr. Bush's threats seriously and was prepared to defeat any invaders. It invited U.N. arms inspection chiefs to Baghdad for talks before they report back to the Security Council on February 14 on their hunt for banned weapons. Nuclear inspections chief Mohamed ElBaradei said they would consider the invitation to Baghdad if Iraq eased objections to surveillance flights by U2 spy planes and did more to ensure interviews with Iraqi scientists without Iraqi minders. [09] bombA powerful makeshift bomb rocked the Nicosia suburb of Nicosia at around two in the morning.Police said the bomb was placed underneath the car of Demetris Aristidou, which was parked outside his home. The blast caused extensive damage to the car and shattered windows in neighbouring homes. [10] weatherThis afternoon will be mainly fine with some scattered clouds.Winds will be southerly to southeasterly moderate, force 4, with slight to moderate seas. Temperatures are expected to reach 20 degrees inland and the coasts, and 7 in the highest mountains. Generally fine conditions tonight with some cloudy periods. Winds will be southerly light, force 3 to 4, with slight to moderate seas. Temperatures will drop to 9 degrees inland, 11 on the coasts and 3 in the highest mountains. Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |
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