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Sunday, 22 December 2024
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Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 08-09-21Cyprus News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Cyprus News Agency at <http://www.cyna.org.cy>CONTENTS
[01] PRESIDENT - UNSG - MEETINGPresident of the Republic Demetris Christofias has said he would defend with modesty and determination the principles of a solution to the Cyprus issue, exhibiting flexibility which however should not be misinterpreted by anyone.The President was speaking to journalists on his arrival in New York where on Sunday he will meet UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon. Christofias will attend the 63rd session of the UN General Assembly and address the plenary on Wednesday, 24 September. The effort is to defend our homeland, modestly yet decisively, the principles of a solution to the Cyprus problem, showing of course flexibility. But when we talk about flexibility, this should not be misinterpreted either by the Turkish side or us. There will be flexibility to the point where we can be flexible. When principles are at stake, we shall defend them till the end, the President stressed. Christofias added that he remains consistent with previous commitments by all presidents of the Republic of Cyprus for a bizonal, bicommunal federal solution. We believe that this commitment does not oppose UN commitment for a unified state with a single sovereignty, a single citizenship and one international personality. This does not oppose or contradict EU principles, which Cyprus joined in 2004, the President remarked, adding that this should become clear to Turkey and our friends in the Turkish Cypriot community. It is assumed that these principles, defined by resolutions and high level agreements, are accepted by the leaders of the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities. President Christofias said that talks on issues dealing with the implementation of the acquis communautaire in Cyprus will be tough and expressed reserved optimism. The way ahead is no bed of roses, it is clear that there will be difficulties and obstacles ahead, we need to be composed, show restrain and determination, the President added. Christofias will meet on Monday Archbishop of America Demetrios and attend a dinner hosted by US President George Bush for the leaders of national delegations attending the UN General Assembly. He will host a lunch on Thursday for the ambassadors of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council. He will also hold contacts with other leaders and participate in the High-level Meeting on Africa`s Development Needs on 22 September. On 24 September he will address the UN General Assembly. Foreign Minister Markos Kyprianou, who is accompanying the President, will meet his US counterpart Condoleezza Rice, at the 27 EU foreign Ministers meeting with Rice. He will also meet US Assistant Secretary for European and Eurasian Affairs Daniel Fried. On Friday, 26 September, President Christofias will be the main speaker at a gathering organised by Cypriots in the US while earlier he will meet the leaders of overseas Cypriots federations and organisations. Our relations with overseas Cypriots are strong and warm and we will continue to strengthen them, he told reporters. The President is accompanied by Kyprianou, Government Spokesman Stephanos Stephanou, Presidential Commissioner George Iacovou and other officials. President Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat began earlier this month direct negotiations with a view to find a political settlement, that will reunite Cyprus, which has been divided since the 1974 Turkish invasion. [02] FAMAGUSTA MUNICIPALITY - RESOLUTIONThe people of Famagusta are demanding the return of their town to its lawful inhabitants, pointing out that a step in that direction would be the immediate return of the fenced off area of the town, Varosha, now under the Turkish occupation. In a resolution approved unanimously during an anti-occupation rally at Dherynia checkpoint on Saturday, marking the 34th anniversary since the town was captured by the advancing Turkish troops in the summer of 1974, the people of Famagusta also call on the government of the Republic of Cyprus to take advantage of the 26.000 signatures gathered by Famagusta citizens, expressing the determination of the people of Famagusta to struggle for the return to their town in the context of a campaign for Famagusta.The occupation of the city of Famagusta by Turkish troops is a flagrant violation of international law vis a vis the people of Cyprus. The continuing, illegal occupation of a European town such as Famagusta, clearly violates not only human rights but the binding 550 Security Council resolution as well as the High Level Agreements between the two communities, the resolution adds. Pledging their support to the efforts of President of the Republic Demetris Christofias which resulted in the commencement of direct talks for an overall settlement of the Cyprus issue, the people of Famagusta note we are certain the President of the Republic will fight for a solution with determination and consistency. In addition, they stress that they support and are working for a solution of a bizonal, bicommunal federation. The people of Famagusta further welcome the report adopted recently by the European Parliament Committee of Petitions which calls on Turkey to withdraw its occupation troops from Cyprus and places as a priority the return of Varosha to its lawful inhabitants. The resolution calls for an end to the illegal exploitation of Greek Cypriot properties in the occupied areas, an issue which creates fait accompli and further complicates the resolution of the problem. At the same time it urges the international community, the UN and the EU, to reinforce their efforts in view of the start of the direct talks, and turn their attention towards Ankara to open the road for as just and viable solution to the Cyprus issue. Cyprus News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |
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