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Friday, 22 November 2024
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Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 06-09-29Cyprus News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Cyprus News Agency at <http://www.cyna.org.cy>CONTENTS
[01] CYPRUS - EURLINGS REPORTThe government of Cyprus is satisfied with the adoption by the majority of the European Parliament of the report on Turkey`s progress towards EU accession, submitted by rapporteur Camiel Eurlings, noting that it underlines the ``self-evident responsibility of Ankara not only to implement its commitments towards Cyprus but also to promote the necessary internal reforms in Turkey.``Speaking on Friday during his daily briefing, Government Spokesman Christodoulos Pashiardis stressed that Ankara cannot escape from this responsibility, noting that ``Turkey can accede to the EU only through a smooth process and not violently invade it, just like it did in Cyprus.`` Pashiardis said the approval of the report is a ``positive development`` which is added to the general demand for Turkey`s full compliance with its obligations and commitments undertaken towards the EU and consequently towards the Republic of Cyprus.`` ``It is up to Turkey to decide whether it wants to remain a disobedient and annoying candidate country with all the consequences or whether it desires an unimpeded course towards Europe with the full implementation of its European obligations,`` Pashiardis added. The Spokesman pointed out that the Republic of Cyprus supported and continues to support Turkey`s EU course but ``will not support its arbitrary demand to be treated differently from other candidate states.`` ``There are no special privileges and exclusive immunities for Turkey and it is committing a big mistake if it thinks it can proceed towards Europe, disregarding and bypassing rules and preconditions,`` the Spokesman said. Asked if the Cypriot government will consent to the partial opening of Turkish ports or airports to Cypriot planes and vessels, the Spokesman said ``the only possibility is to consent to a full, unconditional implementation by Turkey of the commitments and obligations it has undertaken.`` To a question on thoughts by the Finnish Presidency of the EU on the implementation of the Additional Protocol of the Ankara Agreement as well as the issue of direct trade with the Turkish occupied areas of Cyprus, Pashiardis said that ``Turkey`s obligations and commitments towards the EU and subsequently the Republic of Cyprus are not associated with other issues and any political demands by Ankara, and surely fulfilling these obligations and commitments does not imply granting exchanges on our part towards Turkey.`` He said that as far as direct trade issue is concerned, there is the agreement dated 24 February 2006 by the EU which associates the issue with the return of Famagusta and the issue of Greek Cypriot properties as well as expanding the Green Line Regulation, something which is included in the Luxembourg presidency`s proposal. Pashiardis also expressed the government`s readiness to participate in negotiations for an overall settlement, stressing that the government`s proposal on Famagusta is still valid. The Eurlings report was adopted on Wednesday by the European Parliament with 420 votes in favour, 71 against and 125 abstentions, calling on Turkey to take concrete steps for the normalisation of bilateral relations between Turkey and all EU member states, including the Republic of Cyprus, and to maintain a constructive attitude in finding a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus question. [02] EU PRESIDENCY - TURKEY CYPRUSThe EU Finnish Presidency is actively working ``to reach a solution which would enable direct trade between the EU and Northern Cyprus``, said Finnish Prime Minister Matti Vanhanen, adding that ``our aim is a solution that would also ensure that Turkey proceeds with the opening of ports to Cypriot vessels``.In a speech before the Finnish Parliament, Vahnanen noted that ``a positive outcome would help us to avert difficulties with Turkey`s EU accession negotiations.`` We continue, he pointed out, ``to hold intensive and constructive talks with the Republic of Cyprus and Turkey to see whether a solution can be found.`` ``The following weeks will be crucially important for these efforts as the European Commission has announced that it will issue its progress report on Turkey on 8 November``, Vanhanen concluded. [03] PHILIPPINES AMBASSADORCyprus` EU membership will further promote relations with the countries of South East Asia, pledged here Friday President Tassos Papadopoulos.Receiving at a formal ceremony at the Presidential Palace the credentials of the new Ambassador of the Republic of the Philippines to the Republic of Cyprus, stationed in Athens, Rigoberto D. Tiglao, President Papadopoulos also assured that Cyprus remains firmly committed to further strengthening its cooperation in both the bilateral and the multilateral fields. Presenting his credentials, Tiglao said diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Cyprus have been friendly and cordial since the establishment of diplomatic relations on 6 March 1980. ``Our bilateral relations continued to grow and improve through the years, shaped by our peoples` common affinity to democratic values which prevailed through our countries` history and development as republics,`` he remarked. Tiglao extended his government`s appreciation ``for the trust and confidence accorded to our Filipino workers in Cyprus.`` Replying the President of the Republic said Cyprus and the Philippines have enjoyed excellent relations since the official establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 1980. ``Our bonds of friendship are strengthened by the presence of a significant number of Filipino employees in Cyprus, including the Filipino seafarers, who contribute to the steady development of our shipping industry,`` he noted. Cyprus News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |
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