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Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 03-09-25

Cyprus News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

From: The Cyprus News Agency at <http://www.cyna.org.cy>


CONTENTS

  • [01] Papadopoulos meets UN and US envoys on Cyprus
  • [02] President Papadopoulos meets heads of Algeria, Senegal, Kuwait
  • [03] Iacovou asks FMs to work for ICO resolution to reflect real situation
  • [04] Weather forecast for Cyprus
  • [05] Cyprus Stock Exchange
  • [06] Weather and Temperatures for Cyprus
  • [07] Cyprus President addresses UN General Assembly (1)
  • [08] Cyprus President addresses UN General Assembly (2)
  • [09] Cyprus President addresses UN General Assembly (Full text)
  • [10] Hadjidemetriou satisfied over meeting with Barbaso
  • [11] MacShane calls on both sides in Cyprus to show spirit of compromise

  • [01] Papadopoulos meets UN and US envoys on Cyprus

    1040:CYPPRESS:01

    Papadopoulos meets UN and US envoys on Cyprus

    by Apostolis Zoupaniotis

    New York, Sep 25 (CNA) -- Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos discussed here yesterday with UN Secretary General's Special Advisor for Cyprus Alvaro De Soto the type of amendments the Greek Cypriot side is pursuing in the Annan plan and the procedure Papadopoulos deems should be followed for the discussion of these amendments.

    Papadopoulos said that the impression he got from his meeting with De Soto is that the UN diplomat accepts that there is no potential for substantial negotiations and for a solution while Rauf Denktash remains the interlocutor of the Turkish Cypriot community.

    Speaking to CNA Papadopoulos referred to his meetings here with De Soto and US State Department's Special Coordinator for Cyprus Thomas Weston noting that during the meetings they reviewed the current situation in the Cyprus problem, taking into account the prospects by the so-called election in Cyprus' Turkish-occupied areas in December and the possibility to resume talks after them.

    He also noted that the general perception is that the Annan plan can be amended.

    As regards the issue of observers for the ''elections'' in the occupied territory, the Cypriot President said he explained to his interlocutors why the Cyprus government does not believe that if they are sent they will be able to secure the integrity of the result.

    He noted that ''it is generally accepted that the dispatch of governments' representatives as observers is out of question.''

    [02] President Papadopoulos meets heads of Algeria, Senegal, Kuwait

    1045:CYPPRESS:02

    President Papadopoulos meets heads of Algeria, Senegal, Kuwait

    by Apostolis Zoupaniotis

    New York, Sep 25 (CNA) -- The Cyprus issue is not one of religious conflict but a political problem of foreign invasion and occupation, Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos stressed at meetings he had yesterday in New York with the Presidents Algeria and Senegal and the Prime Minister of Kuwait.

    Speaking after the meetings Papadopoulos said that he requested the three leaders' help so that the role of the Denktash regime in the Turkish-occupied part of Cyprus will not be upgraded in the framework of the Islamic Conference in which these Algeria, Senegal and Kuwait participate.

    [03] Iacovou asks FMs to work for ICO resolution to reflect real situation

    1055:CYPPRESS:03

    Iacovou asks FMs to work for ICO resolution to reflect real situation

    by Apostolis Zoupaniotis

    New York, Sep 25 (CNA) -- Cyprus Foreign Minister Georgios Iacovou met here yesterday, on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, with his counterparts from Kazakhstan, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, Tunisia and Libya.

    [04] Weather forecast for Cyprus

    1345:CYPPRESS:04 Weather forecast for Cyprus Nicosia, Sep 25 (CNA) -- The Meteorological Office at Larnaca International Airport has issued the following weather forecast for Cyprus:

    Friday and Saturday: 26/09/2003 to 27/09/2003

    The weather on Friday will be mainly fine with local cloud mainly during the afternoon. Northwesterly to southeasterly gentle breezes 2 to 3 BF will prevail during the morning and will gradually become southwesterly to northwesterly gentle to moderate, 3 to 4 BF. Overnight winds will be northwesterly to northeasterly 2 to 3BF. The sea will be generally slight and in the afternoon locally moderate.

    Maximum temperature is expected to be around 31C inland and over the south and east coasts, 29 over the west coast and 21C over the mountains.

    Minimum temperature will be around 18C inland and over the west coast, 20C over the south and east coasts and 14C over the mountains.

    Similar conditions will prevail on Saturday.

    Outlook for Sunday and Monday: 28/09/2003 to 29/09/2003 ------------------------------------------------ The weather will continue to be mainly fine with patchy cloud developing mainly during the afternoon. Temperature is not expected to note any significant change.

    [05] Cyprus Stock Exchange

    
    
    
    1540:CYPPRESS:05
    Cyprus Stock Exchange Nicosia, Sep 25(CNA) - The Cyprus Stock Exchange (CSE) All Share Index closed at today's stock exchange meeting as follows: CSE General Index 87,67 ( 0,44) Traded Value CYP 987.504 FTSE/CYSE 20 CYP 516.607 350,45 ( 0,07) FTSE Med 100 5.518,02 ( 0,86) Sectoral Indices Banks CYP 443.549 100,29 ( 0,67) Approved Investment Companies CYP 45.451 76,50 ( 0,64) Insurance Companies CYP 7.232 16,08 ( 1,71) Manufacturing Companies CYP 156.349 57,62 (-0,57) Tourism Companies CYP 5.595 79,81 ( 0,06) Trading Companies CYP 28.684 21,17 ( 0,05) Building and Cement Companies CYP 3.932 75,01 ( 0,16) Énformation Technology Companies CYP 17.645 3,39 ( 1,19) Financial Services Companies CYP 23.567 13,25 ( 0,76) Fish Culture Companies CYP 76 11,68 ( 4,38) Hotels CYP 24.823 43,78 ( 0,99) Other Companies CYP 84.063 81,38 (-0,17) * The third column presents the percentage variation of

    [06] Weather and Temperatures for Cyprus

    
    
    
    1545:CYPPRESS:06
    Weather and Temperatures for Cyprus Nicosia, Sep 25 (CNA) - Today's weather and temperatures for Cyprus, according to the Meteorological Service at Larnaca International Airport are: Temperatures (degrees Celcius) --------------------------------------------------------------- Station Maximum Minimum Weather (At 1200 UTC) --------------------------------------------------------------- Nicosia 33 16 FINE Larnaca 29 19 FINE Limassol 30 19 FINE Paphos 27 17 FINE

    [07] Cyprus President addresses UN General Assembly (1)

    1705:CYPPRESS:07

    Cyprus President addresses UN General Assembly (1)

    by Apostolis Zoupaniotis

    United Nations, Sep 25 (CNA) -- Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos has stressed the need for a functional and viable solution to the Cyprus problem that will embrace all Cypriots and will allow Cyprus to take its stride and assume fully its place and role within the European family.

    Addressing the 58th session of the UN General Assembly, Papadopoulos announced the Cyprus government's decision to unilaterally start within the next two months, in cooperation with the United Nations and with the financial support of the European Union, demining in the buffer zone and unilaterally proceed with the destruction of an appreciable amount of stockpiled anti-personnel mines during November 2003.

    As regards efforts for a Cyprus settlement he reiterated that ''we are always ready whenever the Secretary-General invites us to engage in serious negotiations on the basis of his plan in order to reach a settlement as soon as possible, in conformity with relevant United Nations Resolutions'' and expressed hope ''that soon it will be possible for the other side to realize that they have to return to the negotiating table, cooperate constructively with the Secretary-General and demonstrate the necessary political will to yield a settlement.''

    Papadopoulos referred to the humanitarian issue of the missing persons stressing that ''we still strive in Cyprus for establishing the fate of all those missing, both Greek and Turkish Cypriots, since the Turkish invasion of 1974.''

    ''This is a major issue of a purely humanitarian character and we seek the support of the international community as a whole in order to put an end, at last, to the continuing ordeal of so many families. For this to happen, the cooperation and political will of the Republic of Turkey are absolutely necessary,'' he added.

    Furthermore, President Papadopoulos said the rights of the few remaining enclaved persons in the occupied part of Cyprus continue to be violated. ''The rights of the refugees are also still being denied, whilst our people face new faits accomplis by the occupation army, as is the case of the advance of the Turkish Army in the area of Strovilia. With the assistance of the international community we are, nevertheless, resolved to persevere for the implementation of international conventions and for the restoration of the human rights of all Cypriots,'' he added.

    As regards Turkish Cypriots, the Cypriot President said ''we continue as far as we are concerned to do our best to bring them on board and we have embarked on an ambitious policy in order to enhance their standard of living and allow them to fully enjoy rights and benefits that they are entitled to as Cypriots.''

    Papadopoulos stressed that ''the Government of Cyprus, attaches great importance to the international effort against mine proliferation and the clearing of minefields'' and for this reason ''it has taken the initiative to clear all minefields in the buffer zone laid by the National Guard immediately after the Turkish invasion of Cyprus.''

    ''In this regard, I would like to announce today my Governments decision and firm commitment first: to unilaterally start within the next two months, in cooperation with the United Nations and the financial support of the European Union, demining in the buffer zone and second: to unilaterally proceed with the destruction of an appreciable amount of stockpiled anti-personnel mines during the month of November this year,'' he added.

    He noted that ''this is just a first but, I believe, a major step in the implementation of our obligations under the Ottawa Convention.''

    Referring to the long-standing Cyprus problem Papadopoulos said ''we have been facing the catastrophic results of aggression and we have been struggling for more than 29 years for the solution of the problem created by the invasion and occupation of the northern part of our country by Turkey. Despite all efforts Turkish intransigence has not been curbed and their defiance of numerous Resolutions of the General Assembly and of the Security Council continues unabated.''

    He said that such an attitude ''constitutes not only unacceptable behaviour in international relations but is also completely anachronistic and incomprehensible to any rational thought. Furthermore it is at variance with the will and the wish of the overwhelming majority of the Turkish Cypriots themselves who are persistently asking for a solution and participation in the accession of Cyprus to the European Union.''

    Papadopoulos praised UN efforts for a Cyprus settlement and said ''we still believe in the United Nations, we are grateful for its interest and involvement and I would like to take this opportunity to express our sincere thanks to the Secretary-General for his tireless efforts within the framework of his Good Offices Mission for Cyprus, entrusted to him by the Security Council.''

    '' I would like also to praise the work of his Special Adviser, Mr. Alvaro de Soto and all members of his team, of his Assistant Special Representative and the UN Mission as well as to the UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus and to the contributing countries, Papadopoulos said.

    He added that ''it is appropriate to mention this here at this stage because the continuing and longstanding Turkish intransigence has a few months ago thwarted what was probably the strongest ever initiative of the United Nations for finding a solution in Cyprus.''

    ''We understand and share the bitterness and the disappointment of all involved for the failure but as I said before we should not give up. We always counted on UN support and involvement and we will continue to do so,'' Papadopoulos said and stressed that ''a solution is urgently needed in Cyprus.''

    [08] Cyprus President addresses UN General Assembly (2)

    1710:CYPPRESS:08

    Cyprus President addresses UN General Assembly (2)

    by Apostolis Zoupaniotis

    United Nations, Sep 25 (CNA) -- Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos reaffirmed Cyprus' ''full support of the Secretary Generals efforts to integrate human rights into the whole range of UN activities'' and reiterated Cyprus' commitment ''to working closely with UN partners towards their universal implementation.''

    Addressing the 58th session of the United Nations General Assembly Papadopoulos said Cyprus is playing its part fully in the concerted effort against terrorism and is also among the countries that have ratified all twelve of the International Conventions pertaining to terrorism. Furthermore, it has recently ratified the Convention on the Safety of United Nations and Associated Personnel of 1994.

    Papadopoulos added that ''the Republic of Cyprus, still witnessing serious violations of human rights within its territory by foreign armed forces, places human rights at the very top of its agenda.''

    ''While working hard for the promotion and protection of human rights of all its citizens under the harsh circumstances imposed by the invasion and occupation of a significant part of its territory, Cyprus never loses sight of the universal dimension of human rights and remains active and resolutely watches over the protection of human rights throughout the world. It reaffirms its full support of the Secretary Generals efforts to integrate human rights into the whole range of UN activities and reiterates its commitment to working closely with UN partners towards their universal implementation,'' he added.

    Papadopoulos said protection for human rights and eradication of poverty and inequality, as encapsulated in the Millennium goals and the commitments undertaken in the Summits of Monterrey and Johannesburg, ''constitute mutually dependent steps toward the global vision of sustainable development'', assuring that ''Cyprus remains strongly committed to these principles, and as a new member of the EU and emerging donor country, though a small one, is determined to spare no effort in meeting its obligations for development assistance to countries in need.''

    ''Since the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, great progress has been made in the direction of promoting human rights worldwide; as a result, we all now share a common vision of a world of justice and equality. The promotion of human rights, however, goes well beyond ensuring respect of a theoretical legal construct. It involves the determination of taking specific, practical steps towards turning our vision into tangible results,'' President Papadopoulos added.

    The Cypriot President noted that ''in view of the new challenges that the United Nations is required to face, Cyprus strongly supports the Secretary Generals UN reform objectives, which aim at adapting the internal structures and culture of the organization to new expectations.''

    ''It therefore welcomes the work done on strengthening the management and administration, as well as streamlining the budget of the UN. It also attaches great importance to the improvement of the inter-governmental structure and processes of the UN and the revitalization of the General Assembly, as essential elements of the reform process, whose aim is to bring about a stronger UN system that will be able to effectively pursue the priorities adopted in the United Nations Millennium Declaration,'' Papadopoulos added.

    Noting that ''we certainly need effectiveness but we cannot separate it from legitimacy,'' he said ''in Cyprus we know, from our own experience, both the importance of legitimacy and the need for effectiveness.''

    Referring to the deadly attack against the United Nations Headquarters in Baghdad last month as well as the most recent one, two days ago, Papadopoulos said these incidents ''continue to fill us with bitterness and indignation.''

    ''We all share the feeling of a great injustice and of an insult to the organised international community. Once again I wish to express our deep condolences to the victims families and our sympathy to those injured. At the same time we should also convey the message that such actions will not deter us from the pursuit of the high ideals of the United Nations and its engagement in Iraq,'' he added.

    Referring to terrorism he noted that ''terrorist acts around the globe serve as a painful reminder that terrorism transcends borders and it attacks universal values. Freedom, democracy, human rights and humanity itself have to be defended by the international community with persistence and determination.''

    ''At the same time we should be cautious and ensure that our actions are fully in line with the cherished values we want to uphold. As the threat is unfortunately far from over, a genuine global mobilization, under the aegis of the United Nations, is of the essence if this endeavor is to be successful,'' he added.

    Papadopoulos stressed ''Cyprus is playing its part fully in this concerted effort and is also among the countries that have ratified all twelve of the International Conventions pertaining to terrorism. Furthermore, it has recently ratified the Convention on the Safety of United Nations and Associated Personnel of 1994''.

    He also noted that ''non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction has become, and rightly so, a top priority in the worlds agenda.''

    ''The risk of acquisition of such weapons by terrorist groups highlights even more the gravity and urgency of the issues to be addressed. In this respect, the United Nations have a truly instrumental role to play. Universalization of, and compliance with multilateral treaties related to disarmament and non-proliferation, as well as verification mechanisms and internationally coordinated export controls are essential tools in our efforts,'' Papadopoulos said.

    He reiterated ''our genuine commitment to international norms in the field of disarmament,'' noting that Cyprus, earlier this year, ratified the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty and the Ottawa Convention.

    In relation with the situation in Iraq, the Cyprus President said ''we have been encouraged by the adoption of resolutions 1483 (2003) and 1500 (2003) and we believe that the international community has proven that it can move beyond the divisions of the past and face the challenges of the future in a new climate of cooperation, for the benefit of the Iraqi people.''

    ''In fulfilling the task that lies ahead for building a secure, democratic and economically sound Iraq, we should make use of the United Nations unique capabilities for humanitarian assistance and reconstruction as well as its rich experience in assisting the political process leading to the establishment of an internationally recognized representative government, exercising the sovereignty of Iraq,'' he added.

    Concerning Middle East he noted the situation in the region remains a source of major concern for the region and beyond.

    ''The Quartets road map, with the overwhelming international support it enjoys, represents a historic opportunity that should not be missed,'' Papadopoulos stressed and noted that ''unfortunately in recent days, the international community holds its breath as blind and spiraling violence thwarts the efforts to place and maintain on a solid track this process leading to a settlement.''

    ''The necessary political will should be demonstrated by both sides at all levels and be matched with persistent action on the ground, in the right direction,'' he said and reiterated ''our longstanding position for a just settlement, in accordance with international law, UN Resolutions and the agreements reached between the parties, which will put an end to the occupation and realize the aspirations of the Palestinian people for the establishment of an independent state, living side by side with Israel, in peace and security.''

    ''Cyprus, a country of the region, with traditionally close relations with both parties, stands ready to assist in every way possible,'' Papadopoulos said.

    [09] Cyprus President addresses UN General Assembly (Full text)

    1715:CYPPRESS:09

    Cyprus President addresses UN General Assembly (Full text)

    by Apostolis Zoupaniotis

    United Nations, 25 Sep (CNA) --

    Speech of Cyprus Republic President Tassos Papadopoulos at the 58th session of the UN General Assembly (Full text).

    Mr. President,

    I would like to extend to you my warmest congratulations on your election as President of the 58th Session of the United Nations General Assembly. We are indeed very happy to see a Minister from a fellow Commonwealth, and also an island State, preside the session. I am sure that your diplomatic skills, experience and grasp of the issues will harmoniously steer our work. I would also like to express our thanks and appreciation to your predecessor Mr. Jan Kavan for the excellent record of his presidency.

    Mr. President,

    This year my country is about to fulfil its most ambitious aspiration, joining the European Union. After having signed the accession treaty in April we expect to become full members along with 9 other acceding countries on 1st May 2004. But already we are associated to the work of the Union and participate in all meetings and in the life of the new European family of the 25. Hence, Cyprus is represented by the statement of the Italian Presidency of the European Union and fully subscribes to its contents.

    Unfortunately the current session is taking place in a heavy and loaded atmosphere. The deadly attack against the United Nations Headquarters in Baghdad last month as well as the most recent one, two days ago, continue to fill us with bitterness and indignation. We all share the feeling of a great injustice and of an insult to the organised international community. Once again I wish to express our deep condolences to the victims families and our sympathy to those injured. At the same time we should also convey the message that such actions will not deter us from the pursuit of the high ideals of the United Nations and its engagement in Iraq.

    From Baghdad to Jakarta, from Russia to India, and back to the heinous attacks of 11 September two years ago, terrorist acts around the globe, serve as a painful reminder that terrorism transcends borders and that it attacks universal values. Freedom, democracy, human rights and humanity itself have to be defended by the international community with persistence and determination. At the same time we should be cautious and ensure that our actions are fully in line with the cherished values we want to uphold. As the threat is unfortunately far from over, a genuine global mobilization, under the aegis of the United Nations, is of the essence if this endeavor is to be successful. Cyprus is playing its part fully in this concerted effort and is also among the countries that have ratified all twelve of the International Conventions pertaining to terrorism. Furthermore it has recently ratified the Convention on the Safety of United Nations and Associated Personnel of 1994.

    Non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction has become, and rightly so, a top priority in the worlds agenda. The risk of acquisition of such weapons by terrorist groups highlights even more the gravity and urgency of the issues to be addressed. In this respect, the United Nations have a truly instrumental role to play. Universalization of, and compliance with multilateral treaties related to disarmament and non-proliferation, as well as verification mechanisms and internationally coordinated export controls are essential tools in our efforts. We have repeatedly expressed our genuine commitment to international norms in the field of disarmament and I am happy to report that Cyprus, earlier this year, has ratified the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty and the Ottawa Convention.

    The Government of Cyprus, attaches great importance to the international effort against mine proliferation and the clearing of minefields. For this reason it has taken the initiative to clear all minefields in the buffer zone laid by the National Guard immediately after the Turkish invasion of Cyprus. In this regard, I would like to announce today my Governments decision and firm commitment first: to unilaterally start within the next two months, in cooperation with the United Nations and the financial support of the European Union, demining in the buffer zone and second: to unilaterally proceed with the destruction of an appreciable amount of stockpiled anti-personnel mines during the month of November this year. This is just a first but, I believe, a major step in the implementation of our obligations under the Ottawa Convention.

    Mr. President,

    In Iraq, we have been encouraged by the adoption of resolutions 1483 (2003) and 1500 (2003) and we believe that the international community has proven that it can move beyond the divisions of the past and face the challenges of the future in a new climate of cooperation, for the benefit of the Iraqi people. In fulfilling the task that lies ahead for building a secure, democratic and economically sound Iraq, we should make use of the United Nations unique capabilities for humanitarian assistance and reconstruction as well as its rich experience in assisting the political process leading to the establishment of an internationally recognized representative government, exercising the sovereignty of Iraq.

    This year again, the situation in the Middle East remains a source of major concern for the region and beyond. The Quartets road map with the overwhelming international support it enjoys, represents a historic opportunity that should not be missed. Unfortunately in recent days, the international community holds its breath as blind and spiraling violence thwarts the efforts to place and maintain on a solid track this process leading to a settlement. The necessary political will should be demonstrated by both sides at all levels and be matched with persistent action on the ground, in the right direction. I would like to take this opportunity to reiterate our longstanding position for a just settlement, in accordance with international law, UN Resolutions and the agreements reached between the parties, which will put an end to the occupation and realize the aspirations of the Palestinian people for the establishment of an independent state, living side by side with Israel, in peace and security. Cyprus, a country of the region, with traditionally close relations with both parties, stands ready to assist in every way possible.

    Mr. President,

    The realization of the Charters vision of a just, peaceful and prosperous world remains inextricably linked with the commitment to promote and protect human rights and fundamental freedoms in full conformity with their universal, indivisible and interdependent nature.

    Since the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, great progress has been made in the direction of promoting human rights worldwide; as a result, we all now share a common vision of a world of justice and equality. The promotion of human rights, however, goes well beyond ensuring respect of a theoretical legal construct. It involves the determination of taking specific, practical steps towards turning our vision into tangible results.

    The Republic of Cyprus, still witnessing serious violations of human rights within its territory by foreign armed forces, places human rights at the very top of its agenda. While working hard for the promotion and protection of human rights of all its citizens under the harsh circumstances imposed by the invasion and occupation of a significant part of its territory, Cyprus never loses sight of the universal dimension of human rights and remains active and resolutely watches over the protection of human rights throughout the world. It reaffirms its full support of the Secretary Generals efforts to integrate human rights into the whole range of UN activities and reiterates its commitment to working closely with UN partners towards their universal implementation.

    We still strive in Cyprus for establishing the fate of all those missing, both Greek and Turkish Cypriots, since the Turkish invasion of 1974. This is a major issue of a purely humanitarian character and we seek the support of the international community as a whole in order to put an end, at last, to the continuing ordeal of so many families. For this to happen, the cooperation and political will of the Republic of Turkey are absolutely necessary.

    Furthermore, the rights of the few remaining enclaved persons in the occupied part of Cyprus continue to be violated. The rights of the refugees are also still being denied, whilst our people face new faits accomplis by the occupation army, as is the case of the advance of the Turkish Army in the area of Strovilia. With the assistance of the international community we are, nevertheless, resolved to persevere for the implementation of international conventions and for the restoration of the human rights of all Cypriots.

    Protection for human rights and eradication of poverty and inequality, as encapsulated in the Millennium goals and the commitments undertaken in the Summits of Monterrey and Johannesburg, constitute mutually dependent steps toward the global vision of sustainable development. Cyprus remains strongly committed to these principles, and as a new member of the EU and emerging donor country, though a small one, is determined to spare no effort in meeting its obligations for development assistance to countries in need.

    In view of the new challenges that the United Nations is required to face, Cyprus strongly supports the Secretary Generals UN reform objectives, which aim at adapting the internal structures and culture of the organization to new expectations. It therefore welcomes the work done on strengthening the management and administration, as well as streamlining the budget of the UN. It also attaches great importance to the improvement of the inter-governmental structure and processes of the UN and the revitalization of the General Assembly, as essential elements of the reform process, whose aim is to bring about a stronger UN system that will be able to effectively pursue the priorities adopted in the United Nations Millennium Declaration.

    We certainly need effectiveness but we cannot separate it from legitimacy. In Cyprus we know, from our own experience, both the importance of legitimacy and the need for effectiveness. We have been facing the catastrophic results of aggression and we have been struggling for more than 29 years for the solution of the problem created by the invasion and occupation of the northern part of our country by Turkey. Despite all efforts Turkish intransigence has not been curbed and their defiance of numerous Resolutions of the General Assembly and of the Security Council continues unabated. Such an attitude constitutes not only unacceptable behavior in international relations but is also completely anachronistic and incomprehensible to any rational thought. Furthermore it is at variance with the will and the wish of the overwhelming majority of the Turkish Cypriots themselves who are persistently asking for a solution and participation in the accession of Cyprus to the European Union. We continue as far as we are concerned to do our best to bring them on board and we have embarked on an ambitious policy in order to enhance their standard of living and allow them to fully enjoy rights and benefits that they are entitled to as Cypriots.

    In Cyprus, we have faced adversity for so many years and we have survived. Hence, we know that we have to persevere. We still believe in the United Nations, we are grateful for its interest and involvement and I would like to take this opportunity to express our sincere thanks to the Secretary-General for his tireless efforts within the framework of his Good Offices Mission for Cyprus, entrusted to him by the Security Council. I would like also to praise the work of his Special Adviser, Mr. Alvaro de Soto and all members of his team, of his Assistant Special Representative and the U.N. Mission as well as to the U.N. Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus and to the contributing countries. I believe that it is appropriate to mention this here at this stage because as you all know, the continuing and longstanding Turkish intransigence has a few months ago thwarted what was probably the strongest ever initiative of the United Nations for finding a solution in Cyprus.

    We understand and share the bitterness and the disappointment of all involved for the failure but as I said before we should not give up. We always counted on U.N. support and involvement and we will continue to do so. We are always ready whenever the Secretary-General invites us to engage in serious negotiations on the basis of his plan in order to reach a settlement as soon as possible, in conformity with relevant United Nations Resolutions. We hope that soon it will be possible for the other side to realize that they have to return to the negotiating table, cooperate constructively with the Secretary-General and demonstrate the necessary political will to yield a settlement.

    A solution is urgently needed in Cyprus. A functional and viable solution that will embrace all Cypriots and will allow our country to take its stride and assume fully its place and role within the European family. A united Cyprus in a united Europe thriving and navigating along with its partners towards a secure and prosperous future and working hand in hand with all other members of the international community for the promotion of universal values.

    [10] Hadjidemetriou satisfied over meeting with Barbaso

    1925:CYPPRESS:10

    Hadjidemetriou satisfied over meeting with Barbaso

    by Nicos Bellos

    Brussels, Sep 25 (CNA) - Cyprus' EU Harmonisation Coordinator Takis Hadjidemetriou has expressed satisfaction over the developments ïf his meeting today in Brussels with European Commission Director General for Enlargement Fabrizio Barbaso, regarding Cyprus' harmonisation with the acquis communautaire.

    The meeting was especially important because it will determine to a great extent the content of the Commission's progress report on Cyprus, which will be the last before the Republic accedes to the EU in May next year.

    [11] MacShane calls on both sides in Cyprus to show spirit of compromise

    1935:CYPPRESS:11

    MacShane calls on both sides in Cyprus to show spirit of compromise

    by Kyriacos Tsioupras

    London Sep 25 (CNA) -- British Minister of State Denis MacShane has called on the parties involved in the Cyprus problem to face the UN plan with a spirit of compromise, so a reunified island can enter the EU next May, adding that any plan can be discussed for some sort of changes.

    ''The Annan plan like any other set of proposals can be discussed. But if you try and unpick it and everybody says 'well, we start all over again', then that will put off the possibilities of a united Cyprus entering the EU for ever'', MacShane said in an interview with CNA.


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