Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 07-08-21

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-TALAT - 5 SEPTEMBER

[02] FIFA - UEFA - TURKISH CYPRIOT CLUBS

[03] FM - RUSSIAN OFFICIAL - CYPRUS ISSUE - OIL

[04] POMAK PRESIDENT - INTERVIEW

[01] PAPADOPOULOS-TALAT - 5 SEPTEMBER

On a meeting in early September between Cyprus President and the leader of the Turkish Cypriot community, in the context of the July 2006 agreement, Palmas had this to say: we must not raise expectations; these should be limited and the tone of the meeting low.

What we are aiming at is to create preconditions and the right climate to implement the July agreement, which was brokered between the UN and the leaders of the two communities, Palmas added.

The government, he went on to add, believes that positive steps can be taken within the context of this agreement which, he pointed out, is the only agreement before the two communities at present, following the rejection of a UN-proposed solution plan in April 2004.

Responding to questions about strict deadlines and arbitration, relating to negotiations for a settlement in Cyprus, the spokesman said if the Turkish Cypriot side adopts a positive approach, this should be proven in practice.

Palmas said the Greek Cypriot side was the first to raise the issue of talks without arbitration and tight timetables, noting that if Talat appreciates and understands that these should not return, then this is positive.

The Spokesman said that the basis of the negotiations has been set and efforts towards a solution should be made within this framework of a bizonal, bicommunal federal solution.

The July agreement, he noted, contains many elements which could help make headway towards an overall settlement of the Cyprus issue.

Our position is crystal clear. We begin on the basis of a bizonal, bicommunal federation, he stressed.

As far as the UN rejected solution plan (the Annan plan) is concerned, Palmas said that it belonged to the past, adding the Annan Plan, as it is, was rejected by the Cypriot people and the verdict of the people of Cyprus should be respected and being the political leadership, the government has a duty to align ourselves with this position.

On the prospects for a successful meeting between Papadopoulos and Talat, the Spokesman recommended that we should maintain a down to earth approach, taking always into consideration the past as far as various meetings are concerned.

He also noted that President Papadopoulos had never refused a meeting with Talat or said that meetings with the Turkish Cypriot leader are not useful.

What the President had said is that these meetings should have a specific agenda and specific purpose if there is a chance to achieve something at a practical level through such meetings. The purpose of the exercise should not be to merely have a meeting for the sake of having one or for public relations purposes, he explained.

The UN announced on Tuesday that President Tassos Papadopoulos and the leader of the Turkish Cypriot community Mehmet Ali Talat will meet on September 5.

The development comes after a meeting between the senior aides to the leaders of the Greek Cypriot and the Turkish Cypriot community.

President Tassos Papadopoulos and Mehmet Ali Talat agreed on 8 July 2006, during a meeting in Nicosia in the presence of UN official Ibrahim Gambari, to begin a process of bicommunal discussions on issues that affect the day-to-day life of the people and concurrently those that concern substantive issues, both contributing to a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem.

Following the agreement, the representatives of the leaders of the Greek Cypriot and the Turkish Cypriot communities began meetings in the UN-controlled buffer zone to work out the modalities for the implementation of the July agreement

[02] FIFA - UEFA - TURKISH CYPRIOT CLUBS

UEFA Vice President and honourary CFA President Marios Lefkaritis has told CNA that the aim of the meeting ``is to examine the status of the Turkish Cypriots and how we at CFA can help the Turkish Cypriots have more opportunities to play football.`` He pointed out that ``the only football federation in Cyprus is CFA and no other federation will be recognised.``

Replying to questions, Lefkaritis said the meeting`s agenda was open, noting however that no decision can be taken ``if CFA does not agree.`` Lefkaritis said CFA has never prevented the Turkish Cypriots playing football but reminded them that ``if you want to play football on an international basis, then you must join CFA.`` ``CFA`s principle is to accept the membership of Turkish Cypriot clubs, as long as they apply and pass through all legal procedures. CFA has never refused to register a Turkish Cypriot club,`` he concluded.

[03] FM - RUSSIAN OFFICIAL - CYPRUS ISSUE - OIL

Commenting on developments in the Cyprus question, Chizov expressed his interest in Cyprus but refrained from any comment, noting his current post does not entitle him to make any remarks on such matters. Any developments in the Cyprus question will have a particular significance for the fate of this country, but also for the general situation in this part of the world, he added.

Asked about oil exploration in Cyprus exclusive economic zone, Chizov said that although he has no competency on this issue he is aware of the latest developments. He said that this issue has a political, economic and technological aspect, noting that it is not easy to carry out search at sea area around Cyprus and particularly to exploit undersea deposits as the sea is quite deep. But there are companies, including Russian ones, with the potential to do just that, he added.

Marcoullis said that they had a very warm and interesting meeting and described Chizov as a friend of Cyprus. We had a very interesting discussion, a very friendly talk on many issues of mutual interest, she noted and added that they discussed about the latest developments in the Cyprus question, issues concerning relations between Russia and the EU and also other international matters in a very friendly and constructive climate which confirms once again the excellent relations between out two countries and out two peoples.

[04] POMAK PRESIDENT - INTERVIEW

Sophoclides also makes an assessment of POMAK`s role in the enlightenment effort regarding the Cyprus problem, saying it is satisfactory, adding that more could be done to solve the problems of overseas Cypriots. ``I consider the role of the overseas Cypriots` movement satisfactory regarding the first and utmost sector of its activities, that of the enlightenment effort on the Cyprus problem,`` he said.

Regarding the problems faced by the overseas Cypriots, Sophoclides said they differ from country to country and have to do with education and communication, among others, noting that ``much has been done and more should be done.`` Asked about this year`s POMAK congress, Sophoclides said that it is perhaps one of the most important yet, as it coincides with a transitional period in the Cyprus problem, in that the meeting between President Papadopoulos and Talat ``could pave the way for the creation of preconditions for a settlement.``

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