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Thursday, 18 April 2024 | ||
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Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 03-07-09Cyprus Press and Information Office: News Updates in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office Server at <http://www.pio.gov.cy/>[01] Foreign Minister confirms close cooperation between Athens and NicosiaThe Cypriot Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Georgios Iacovou, who is on an official visit to the Greek capital, said he had confirmed the close cooperation between Athens and Nicosia, especially as regards action taken by the Greek and Cypriot Foreign Ministries to deal with recent moves by Turkey concerning cases pending against it before the European Court of Human Rights. Speaking yesterday after a meeting with the Greek Alternate Foreign Minister Mr Tassos Yiannitsis, Mr Iacovou noted that the Greek and Cypriot delegations examined all possible scenarios regarding the pending cases, and agreed on a series of coordinated actions to be implemented right away. On his part, Mr Yiannitsis pointed out that the meeting had focused mainly on issues pertaining to the European Court of Human Rights and developments on the Titina Loizidou case at the level of the Council of Europe. "It is very useful for the two sides, the Cypriot and the Greek, to be coordinated. We support the Cypriot Government and the Cypriot side in general, on the cases and matters that are being presented there. We give particular consideration to the status, role and decisions of the European Court [of Human Rights], and we are interested in ensuring that the developments and decisions are safeguarding human rights", the Greek Alternate Foreign Minister said. The Cypriot Foreign Minister, Mr Iacovou, also met yesterday with the Greek Deputy Foreign Minister, Mr Andreas Loverdos, with whom he discussed issues related to Mr Loverdos' responsibilities, namely, bilateral economic relations and developmental cooperation. Mr Loverdos also briefed Mr Iacovou on the humanitarian activities of Greece for Iraq, and, specifically, the current action promoted by the Greek Foreign Ministry regarding the air transport and hospitalisation of 12 children from Iraq. The Greek Deputy FM proposed closer cooperation between the two countries on humanitarian action in Iraq.[02] Turkish Cypriots holding passports of the Republic of Cyprus will not enjoy full EU benefits, says British Minister of State for EuropeThe British Minister of State for Europe, Mr Denis MacShane, has noted that those Turkish Cypriots holding passports of the Republic of Cyprus would not be able to enjoy the full benefits emanating from Cyprus' EU accession, as the implementation of the acquis communautaire would be suspended in the Turkish-occupied areas of the island, in the absence of a settlement to the Cyprus problem by 1 May 2004. Replying to a question on Cyprus posed by MP Mr Andrew Dismore, last week before the House of Commons, Mr MacShane noted the following: "In the absence of a settlement, the EU acquis will be suspended in the north of Cyprus when the Republic of Cyprus accedes to the EU. Those resident in the north of Cyprus who do not hold Republic of Cyprus passports will not be entitled to EU benefits. Turkish Cypriots with Republic of Cyprus passports will be entitled to EU benefits. However, the benefits available to Republic of Cyprus passport holders resident in the north of Cyprus will be limited by the suspension of the acquis in the north of Cyprus."[03] Pope hopes for new push in Cyprus peace effortsPope John Paul II has expressed regret that no solution to Cyprus problem was reached on the basis of the Annan plan, and hoped that a new push would be given to the peace efforts within the framework of Cyprus' further integration into the European family. Receiving, last week, the credentials of the first Cypriot Ambassador to the Holy See, based in Rome, Mr George Poulides, the Pope expressed satisfaction that the Cyprus Government was willing to negotiate under the auspices of the United Nations and commit to all relevant recommendations of the UN Security Council. Pope John Paul II further expressed his appreciation for the fact that the Republic of Cyprus had accredited an Ambassador to the Holy See, saying that it was a positive signal of the developing friendship and cooperation between the two states. He also made reference to the long and deep-rooted Christian tradition of Cyprus, which was "connected to the birth of Christianity". Presenting the credentials, Ambassador Poulides assured the Pope of President Papadopoulos' commitment to negotiate on the basis of the Annan plan for a functional and viable solution of the Cyprus problem, noting the readiness of the Greek Cypriot side to return to the negotiating table whenever the UN Secretary-General would consider such move advisable.From the Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office (PIO) Server at http://www.pio.gov.cy/Cyprus Press and Information Office: News Updates in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |