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Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 04-03-26Cyprus News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Cyprus News Agency at <http://www.cyna.org.cy>CONTENTS
[01] Greece: Cyprus solution based on UN decisions and EU laws0750:CYPPRESS:01Greece: Cyprus solution based on UN decisions and EU laws by Rebekah Gregoriades Brussels, Mar 26 (CNA) -- Greece is putting up a fight at the Brussels European Council so that its conclusions, to be adopted later today, include a reference on Cyprus, saying that a settlement of the island's political problem is in line with UN resolutions and the acquis communautaire, according to diplomatic sources in Brussels. The same sources told CNA that the Cyprus problem is going through a very tough phase, with huge obstacles, and that Greece is making every effort in cooperation with the Republic of Cyprus to achieve the best possible result. Regarding the EU summit conclusions, the diplomatic sources said they will be the result of negotiations amongst the members of the European Council, which express their views, discuss them and agree on a final text. "What Greece wants and for which it is putting up a fight," the sources said, "is to include the position in the conclusions that a Cyprus settlement should be in accordance with UN resolutions and the acquis communautaire." On the Cyprus problem and the UN-led talks currently underway in Switzerland between the two sides on the island, as well as Greece and Turkey, the sources said that things are very tough. They said the Cyprus problem "is going through a very difficult phase, there are huge obstacles and intense reactions, and that Greece is making a great effort, in cooperation and coordination with the Republic of Cyprus, in order to achieve the best possible result." Regarding the Turkish demand for permanent derogations from the acquis communautaire in the event of a Cyprus settlement, the sources said Greece has acted in many directions, including the European Commission and ministers of EU member-states. The sources said that assurances have been received from Commission President Romano Prodi and Enlargement Commissioner Gunter Verheugen that it is unthinkable for the EU to accept any permanent derogation from EU laws and regulations. However, the sources said Greece could not guarantee that no effort would be made to satisfy the Turkish demands, noting that it was understandable for Ankara to want certain assurances that a Cyprus settlement would not be vulnerable in a lawsuit. The diplomatic sources noted though that Greece is insisting on the position that a settlement must comply with the principles on which the EU was founded. CNA/RG/GP/2004 ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY [02] Greek PM: Solution should not provide for permanent derogations0920:CYPPRESS:02Greek PM: Solution should not provide for permanent derogations by Nicos Bellos Brussels, Mar 26 (CNA) -- A solution to the Cyprus problem should not foresee permanent derogations from the acquis communautaire, according to Greeces Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis. Karamanlis noted that the efforts underway with the coordination of the Republic of Cyprus and President Tassos Papadopoulos continue unabated both within the framework of the European Union and the talks taking place in Burgenstock, Switzerland. He said efforts aim at achieving a solution based on the Annan Plan, with respect to the acquis communautaire, without permanent or important derogations. [03] UN hands document to two sides asking for referenda commitment1120:CYPPRESS:03UN hands document to two sides asking for referenda commitment by Athena Arsalidou Burgenstock, Mar 26 (CNA) -- The United Nations have handed a document to the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot sides calling for their commitment that they will put the Annan Plan to referenda. Informed sources told CNA that the UN is asking the two sides to sign the document before their delegations depart from Burgenstock. The same sources said the document was handed to the Greek Cypriot side after Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos departure Thursday midday for Brussels to participate in the Spring European Council. [04] UN presents sides with document to sign for Cyprus settlement1135:CYPPRESS:04UN presents sides with document to sign for Cyprus settlement by Rebekah Gregoriades Brussels, Mar 26 (CNA) -- Diplomatic sources in Brussels have confirmed that the UN Secretary General's Special Adviser on Cyprus Alvaro de Soto presented a document to the sides involved in the Cyprus problem, during talks in Switzerland to find a settlement, and asked them to sign it. [05] European Parliament pledges commitment to Cyprus solution1215:CYPPRESS:05European Parliament pledges commitment to Cyprus solution By Rebekah Gregoriades Brussels, Mar 26 (CNA) -- European Parliament President Pat Cox said the European Parliament, has called on the leaders of the two communities in Cyprus to find the wisdom and political will to make the accession of a reconciled and reconciling Cyprus a possibility and a reality. [06] Russian envoy for Cyprus in Burgenstock1225:CYPPRESS:06Russian envoy for Cyprus in Burgenstock by Maria Koniotou Burgenstock, Mar 26 (CNA) -- Russias envoy for Cyprus, Alexander Alekseyev, is attending the second phase of the UN-led Cyprus talks that are taking place at this Swiss resort. [07] EU underlines readiness to accommodate terms of Cyprus settlement1320:CYPPRESS:07EU underlines readiness to accommodate terms of Cyprus settlement by Nicos Bellos Brussels, Mar 26 (CNA) -- The European Council, in its final conclusions on Cyprus, reaffirmed its strong preference for the accession of a united Cyprus to the EU and reiterated its readiness to accommodate the terms of such a settlement in line with the terms of such a settlement in line with principles on which the EU is founded. It said a just, viable and functional settlement is achievable by 1 May and urged all parties to maintain a firm commitment to an achievable outcome to the negotiating process with the collaboration of the Governments of Greece and Turkey. In the conclusions, the European Council emphasizes its continuing strong support for the efforts of UN Secretary General Annan to help the parties seize this historic opportunity to bring about a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem consistent with the relevant UN Security Resolutions. Furthermore, it welcomes the Commissions continued willingness to offer assistance for the Commissions offer to organize a high-level international conference in Brussels on 15 April to prepare a donors' conference. The European Council, stressed that it remains convinced that a just, viable and functional settlement is achievable by 1 May. It urges all parties to maintain a firm commitment to an achievable outcome to the negotiating process with the collaboration of the Governments of Greece and Turkey. [08] European Council final conclusions on Cyprus FULL TEXT1320:CYPPRESS:08European Council final conclusions on Cyprus FULL TEXT by Nicos Bellos Brussels, Mar 26 (CNA) The text of the final conclusions of the European Council on Cyprus follows: The European Council emphasizes its continuing strong support for the efforts of UN Secretary General Annan to help the parties seize this historic opportunity to bring about a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem consistent with the relevant UN Security Resolutions. It welcomes the Commissions continued willingness to offer assistance for the Commissions offer to organize a high-level international conference in Brussels on 15 April to prepare a donors' conference. The European Council remains convinced that a just, viable and functional settlement is achievable by 1 May. It urges all parties to maintain a firm commitment to an achievable outcome to the negotiating process with the collaboration of the Governments of Greece and Turkey. [09] Cox says Accession Treaty protocols sufficient for Cyprus settlement1325:CYPPRESS:09Cox says Accession Treaty protocols sufficient for Cyprus settlement by Rebekah Gregoriades Brussels, Mar 26 (CNA) -- The protocols attached to Cyprus' EU Accession Treaty are sufficient to cover all contingencies of a Cyprus settlement, European Parliament President Pat Cox said today. Speaking at a press conference after a meeting in Brussels with the members of the European Council and the Ministers for Economy and Finance, Cox said that if a settlement of the Cyprus problem is found, then the European Parliament would do anything it could to facilitate it. [10] Weather and Temperatures for Cyprus
[11] Spokesman says no signatures provided for prior to referenda1420:CYPPRESS:11Spokesman says no signatures provided for prior to referenda by Maria Koniotou Burgenstock, Mar 26 (CNA) -- Cyprus Government Spokesman Kypros Chrysostomides said here today that a UN document, handed to the Greek Cypriot and the Turkish Cypriot sides, is a preparatory paper in the event that an agremeent on a political settlement in Cyprus is reached. The spokesman stressed that the timing and the place where papers would be signed if a matter for negotiation. He also said that last month's agreement in New York, which led to the resumption of talks, did not provide for signatures prior to the two separate referenda among the island's two communities on any eventual agreement. Commenting on reports about a UN document which the two sides are being asked to sign, he said ''with reference to the question of signatures, I would like to state that these are suggestions of the UN in preparation, in case that there should be an agreement.'' ''The question when and whether such signatures should be given if and when an agreement is achieved, is a matter for negotiations. In any event, the agreement of 13th February 2004 does not provide for any kind of signatures prior to the referendum,'' Chrysostomides said. Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos and representatives of the Turkish Cypriot side have been engaged in talks, under UN auspices since mid February. This week the talks moved to Burgenstock with the participation of Greece and Turkey with a view at finalising a UN peace plan by the end of the month. UN Secretary General Kofi Annan is expected to arrive in Burgenstock Saturday. CAN/MK/MM/2004 ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY [12] European Council final conclusions on Cyprus FULL TEXT (CORRECTED STORY)1420:CYPPRESS:10European Council final conclusions on Cyprus FULL TEXT (CORRECTED STORY) by Nicos Bellos Brussels, Mar 26 (CNA) The text of the final conclusions of the European Council on Cyprus follows: The European Council emphasizes its continuing strong support for the efforts of UN Secretary General Annan to help the parties seize this historic opportunity to bring about a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem consistent with the relevant UN Security Resolutions. It welcomes the Commissions continued willingness to offer assistance for the speedy solution within the framework of the acquis. It welcomes the Commissions continued willingness to offer assistance for the Commissions offer to organize a high-level international conference in Brussels on 15 April to prepare a donors' conference. The European Council remains convinced that a just, viable and functional settlement is achievable by 1 May. It urges all parties to maintain a firm commitment to an achievable outcome to the negotiating process with the collaboration of the Governments of Greece and Turkey. [13] EU underlines readiness to accommodate terms of Cyprus settlement (CORRECTION)1420:CYPPRESS:13EU underlines readiness to accommodate terms of Cyprus settlement (CORRECTION) by Nicos Bellos Brussels, Mar 26 (CNA) -- The European Council, in its final conclusions on Cyprus, reaffirmed its strong preference for the accession of a united Cyprus to the EU and reiterated its readiness to accommodate the terms of such a settlement in line with the terms of such a settlement in line with principles on which the EU is founded. It said a just, viable and functional settlement is achievable by 1 May and urged all parties to maintain a firm commitment to an achievable outcome to the negotiating process with the collaboration of the Governments of Greece and Turkey. In the conclusions, the European Council emphasizes its continuing strong support for the efforts of UN Secretary General Annan to help the parties seize this historic opportunity to bring about a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem consistent with the relevant UN Security Resolutions. The Council welcomes the Commissions continued willingness to offer assistance for the speedy solution within the framework of the acquis. Furthermore, it welcomes the Commissions continued willingness to offer assistance for the Commissions offer to organize a high-level international conference in Brussels on 15 April to prepare a donors' conference. The European Council, stressed that it remains convinced that a just, viable and functional settlement is achievable by 1 May. It urges all parties to maintain a firm commitment to an achievable outcome to the negotiating process with the collaboration of the Governments of Greece and Turkey. [14] Cyprus Stock Exchange
[15] Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots to light candles for peace1630:CYPPRESS:15Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots to light candles for peace Nicosia, Mar 26 (CNA) -- Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot will march next week holding candles to express their will for a Cyprus settlement and their readiness to take the future of the island in their hands. [16] Cyprus youth reiterate wish for settlement1655:CYPPRESS:16Cyprus youth reiterate wish for settlement Nicosia, Mar 26 (CNA)--Cyprus Youth Bi-communal Forum, comprising youth branches of Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot parties, will hold Sunday a gathering to express their wish for a settlement that would allow Cypriots and particularly the younger generation to secure their future in a reunited Country. [17] European Council final conclusions on Cyprus FULL TEXT (CORRECTED STORY)1840:CYPPRESS:17European Council conclusions on Cyprus (FINAL TEXT) by Nicos Bellos Brussels, Mar 26 (CNA) The text of the final conclusions of the European Council on Cyprus follows: 49. The European Council emphasises its continuing strong support for the efforts of UN Secretary General Annan to help the parties seize this historic opportunity to bring about a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem consistent with the relevant UN Security Council Resolutions. It welcomes the Commissions continued willingness to offer assistance for a speedy solution within the framework of the acquis. It also welcomes the Commissions offer to organise a high-level international conference in Brussels on 15 April to prepare a donors conference. The European Council remains convinced that a just, viable and functional settlement is achievable by 1 May. It urges all parties to maintain a firm commitment to a successful outcome to the negotiating process with the collaboration of the governments of Greece and Turkey. [18] Cypriot President received UN documents1842:CYPPRESS:18Cypriot President received UN documents by Rebekah Gregoriades Brussels, Mar 26 (CNA) -- Cypriot President Tassos Papadopoulos said today that the UN had handed him certain documents before he left Switzerland for Belgium, to participate in the Spring European Council. He noted that the documents would be signed in the case of a Cyprus settlement and were in the context of UN preparations for such an eventuality. Speaking at a press conference in Brussels after the end of the European Council and before flying back to Switzerland for UN-led talks on the Cyprus problem, President Papadopoulos said that at the end of the Cyprus solution process the EU would become involved, probably with Enlargement Commissioner Gunter Verheugen. Referring to the European Council conclusions and specifically the paragraph on Cyprus, President Papadopoulos said the Republic of Cyprus was satisfied and noted that the text reflects the conclusions of previous Councils. Asked about information that the UN had given the Greek Cypriot and the Turkish Cypriot sides a document during the Burgenstock talks, President Papadopoulos clarified that he had been handed the document by the UN Secretary General's Special Adviser on Cyprus Alvaro de Soto before leaving for Brussels yesterday. He added that the document was ''in the context of preparations'', noting that ''the UN are obliged to be ready for all eventualities''. The documents, he said, were those that would be signed in the event of an agreement on the problem of Cyprus, divided since the 1974 Turkish invasion and occupation of its northern third. President Papadopoulos explained that the documents included a declaration of the two guarantor powers, Greece and Turkey, in the case of an agreement. The two countries are currently participating in UN-led talks in Burgenstock, Switzerland, along with the two sides in Cyprus, with a view to reach an agreement that would be put to referenda, the positive outcome of which would enable a reunited Cyprus to join the EU in May this year. The documents also include a declaration for the two sides in Cyprus that a positive outcome in the referenda would mean the implementation of a new order on the island, as well as a paper for the Council of Europe to sign stating that the United Republic of Cyprus would be replacing the Republic of Cyprus, and similar papers for the UN and the EU, the President said. Responding to questions, President Papadopoulos said the Greek Cypriot side was participating in the talks ''to achieve a solution.'' ''If there is to be a result, two are needed. Them to accept our demands and us to accept theirs, as a whole or in part or as they are or altered,'' he added. Regarding the process of the talks, he said there were daily meetings, either direct or proximity. He also said the Greek Cypriot side had requested the involvement of the EU in the process ''in the final stages, something the Turkish side opposed.'' However, the EU has now requested to become more involved and will be sending a senior official to the talks, probably Enlargement Commissioner Gunter Verheugen, the President added. ''It is not possible to negotiate a solution, which we wish to be European, without a say or ratification from the EU that the agreement we will reach is indeed compatible with the acquis communautaire,'' he noted. Asked if Cyprus was satisfied with the European Council conclusions on Cyprus, President Papadopoulos said ''it follows the texts of previous Councils and we are satisfied.'' [19] European Council conclusions on Cyprus (FINAL TEXT)1840:CYPPRESS:17European Council conclusions on Cyprus (FINAL TEXT) by Nicos Bellos Brussels, Mar 26 (CNA) The text of the final conclusions of the European Council on Cyprus follows: 49. The European Council emphasises its continuing strong support for the efforts of UN Secretary General Annan to help the parties seize this historic opportunity to bring about a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem consistent with the relevant UN Security Council Resolutions. It welcomes the Commissions continued willingness to offer assistance for a speedy solution within the framework of the acquis. It also welcomes the Commissions offer to organise a high-level international conference in Brussels on 15 April to prepare a donors conference. The European Council remains convinced that a just, viable and functional settlement is achievable by 1 May. It urges all parties to maintain a firm commitment to a successful outcome to the negotiating process with the collaboration of the governments of Greece and Turkey. [20] Cyprus President committed to UN and acquis-based settlement1900:CYPPRESS:19Cyprus President committed to UN and acquis-based settlement by Rebekah Gregoriades Brussels, Mar 26 (CNA) -- Cypriot President Tassos Papadopoulos reiterated today the sincere commitment of the Greek Cypriot side to finding a comprehensive, functional and viable solution of the Cyprus problem, based on UN resolutions and the acquis communautaire. Speaking at the working lunch of the heads of state and government of the EU member states and the acceding countries, in the context of the Brussels European Council, President Papadopoulos said ''our aim is to achieve a functional and viable solution before May the 1st,'' adding that the Greek Cypriot side aimed at a European solution, which meant ''a solution based on the principles on which Europe is founded and which incorporates the acquis communautaire.'' The President noted that the Greek Cypriot side is ready to negotiate and to agree on transition periods in various issues but not permanent derogations from the acquis. [21] EU underlines readiness to accommodate terms of Cyprus settlement (FINAL)1905:CYPPRESS:20EU underlines readiness to accommodate terms of Cyprus settlement (FINAL) by Nicos Bellos Brussels, Mar 26 (CNA) -- The European Council, in its final conclusions on Cyprus, reaffirmed its strong preference for the accession of a united Cyprus to the EU and reiterated its readiness to accommodate the terms of such a settlement in line with the principles on which the EU is founded. It said a just, viable and functional settlement is achievable by 1 May and urged all parties to maintain a firm commitment to an sucessful outcome to the negotiating process with the collaboration of the governments of Greece and Turkey. In the conclusions, the European Council emphasises its continuing strong support for the efforts of UN Secretary General Annan to help the parties seize this historic opportunity to bring about a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem consistent with the relevant UN Security Council Resolutions. The Council welcomes the Commissions continued willingness to offer assistance for a speedy solution within the framework of the acquis. ''It also welcomes the Commissions offer to organise a high-level international conference in Brussels on 15 April to prepare a donors conference. The European Council, stressed that it remains convinced that a just, viable and functional settlement is achievable by 1 May. It urges all parties to maintain a firm commitment to a successful outcome to the negotiating process with the collaboration of the governments of Greece and Turkey. [22] Greek Premier satisfied with Council's conclusions on Cyprus1925:CYPPRESS:21Greek Premier satisfied with Council's conclusions on Cyprus by Nicos Bellos Brussels, Mar 26 (CNA) -- Greek Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis expressed satisfaction with the European Council's final conclusions on Cyprus and described as a ''positive development'' the involvement of the European Commission in the Cyprus enlarged talks, taking place in Switzerland with Enlargement Commissioner Guenter Verheugen. Karamanlis also said that the decision about a Cyprus settlement should be taken by those sitting at the negotiating table. Athens, he pointed out, acted in concert with Nicosia. Cyprus News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |
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