Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 08-04-04

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

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

CONTENTS

[01] SPOKESMAN - LEDRA STREET - UNFICYP

[02] CYPRUS FM - US DEPUTY OF STATE

[03] SERBIAN FM - CYPRUS - OFFICIAL VISIT

[01] SPOKESMAN - LEDRA STREET - UNFICYP

Stephanou made statements after the successive meetings of President Christofias with the Ambassadors of the UN Security Council five permanent members(P5) and with the UN Secretary-General Special Representative in Cyprus Elizabeth Spehar. Christofias interrupted a visit to London and returned to Cyprus to deal with the situation created Thursday, the fist day of Ledra Street opening, when so-called policemen entered in the buffer zone, prompting the Cypriot police to close the crossing point for three hours.

``During the meetings it was reaffirmed that the buffer zone lies within the jurisdiction of the UN and that they will decisively assume that responsibility,`` Stephanou added.

Asked whether the UN gave assurances that they will do their utmost to implement the agreement reached between the two leaders on March 21, Stephanou said ``it has been reconfirmed in both meetings that the UN have the responsibility in the buffer zone and that they will work with determination so that what has been agreed will be implemented.``

According to Stephanou, President Christofias reiterated the government`s wish that Ledra Street crossing point remains open.

Stephanou also reiterated that the opening of Ledra Street constitutes a positive step towards the confidence building, and described it as a necessary element for prospects to reach a settlement and the reunification of the island.

Asked whether the P5 and the UN Special Representative agreed that the Turkish side violated the agreement on the opening of Ledra Street, Stephanou said that the fact that the UN had last night and today contacts and consultations with the Turkish occupation forces shows who is to blame for the problems created last night.

``What has been mentioned (in the meetings) is that we have all the will to work so that Ledra Street remains open, the agreement is implemented and to proceed on the basis of this positive step made with the opening of Ledra Street because the implementation of the 21 March agreement is necessary,`` Stephanou added.

Stephanou said that Christofias did not communicate with Talat.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third.

[02] CYPRUS FM - US DEPUTY OF STATE

Kyprianou briefed Negroponte on the resumption of efforts to aimed at reaching a political settlement in Cyprus, to reunite the country, divided since the 1974 Turkish invasion.

I reiterated our commitment and our will to work and achieve a settlement of the Cyprus question, Kyprianou told the press.

Kyprianou and Negroponte discussed various issues, including the opening of a crossing point, at Ledra street, to and from the islands northern Turkish occupied areas.

[03] SERBIAN FM - CYPRUS - OFFICIAL VISIT

During his stay here, Jeremic will be received by President of the Republic of Cyprus Demetris Christofias and President of the House of Representatives Marios Karoyian.

According to an official press release, the Serbian FM will have a meeting with his Cypriot counterpart Markos Kyprianou with whom he will also hold official talks.

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