Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 06-04-16

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

CONTENTS

[01] CYPRIOT PRESIDENT - MEETING WITH TALAT - MISSING PERSONS

[01] CYPRIOT PRESIDENT - MEETING WITH TALAT - MISSING PERSONS

Speaking upon his return from India, where he paid an official visit, and asked when he will meet with Talat, Papadopoulos said that during his telephone conversation with the UN Secretary-General last January he said he was ``ready and willing to meet with Talat during the CMP`s meeting to be held under the persidency of its third member, whose candidacy we had accepted from the very first moment.``

The UNFICYP announced Friday the appointment of Girod as the third member of the Committee on Missing Persons in Cyprus (CMP), who will assume his official duties in early June.

Papadopoulos also said that Ankara and the Turkish Cypriots gave their consent for Girod`s appointment a week ago.

``Both leaders should attend the session, stating with their presence that they desire to speed up the work of the Committee,`` he added.

Replying to another question, Papadopoulos reiterated that the position agreed with the UN Secretary-General is that the talks for a comprehensive settlement to the Cyprus problem should be well-prepared, adding that the preparation of the talks will be achieved through the technical committees and through other ways.

He reiterated that these committees or committee, as it could be just one, will discuss both issues of substance as well as every-day issues.

Asked whether Talat is avoiding a meeting with him, Papadopoulos said he was not aware of such a thing, adding that ``no preparation of talks can take place with the absence of Turkish Cypriots.``

Invited to commend information that UN SG Special Representative in Cyprus Michael Moller is trying to convince the Turkish side to participate at the committees, Papadopoulos said that ``Moller is trying to implement those agreed in Paris, for which of course, the consent of the Turkish Cypriots is necessary.``

A joint statement issued after an hour-long meeting in Paris, February 28, between Papadopoulos and the UN SG said that the leaders of both communities have agreed that bicommunal discussions on a series of issues will be undertaken at the technical level, adding that it would be beneficial for all concerned and would greatly improve the atmosphere for further talks if progress could be achieved on further disengagement of forces and demilitarisation of the island, on the complete de-mining of Cyprus and on the issue of Famagusta.

Papadopoulos also described his visit to India as useful and very successful, adding that India follows a position of principles on the Cyprus question.

This position has been reconfirmed, he concluded.

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