Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 09-09-23

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

CONTENTS

[01] GAROYIAN - CYPRUS TALKS - DOWNER

[02] PARTIES - CYPRUS TALKS

[03] CHINESE AMBASSADOR - CYPRUS

[01] GAROYIAN - CYPRUS TALKS - DOWNER

Commenting on remarks that UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon had expressed appreciation for Turkey`s support towards Downer`s efforts and optimism concerning direct talks in Cyprus, Garoyian said an effort is being made ``to pass the message that there is significant progress`` in the talks.

``Our assessment is that there has been minimal progress during the first round of the negotiations due to the Turkish intransigent and arid stance,`` he said, adding that ``in the issues of major importance there has been no shift on behalf of the Turkish side, on the contrary the proposals and recommendations Turkey has been submitting are proposals and recommendations that refer to a confederation and a solution of two states.``

Asked why the UN Secretary General has been expressing optimism, Garoyian said ``there is an intense view and position in certain circles that wish to create this climate,`` noting that ``this is not unusual in negotiations and especially when everyone knows that in December Turkey will pass from an evaluation and examination as to whether or not it has fulfilled its obligations and met is commitments`` towards the EU.

``Some powerful players in the international system want to facilitate Turkey to pass the December assessment unpunished,`` he added.

Garoyian said that ``if they want to see real progress in the Cyprus problem, they will have to turn their attention and pressure to Turkey.``

To questions regarding Downer`s role, Garoyian said ``Downer has a specific mandate and must meet the terms of his mission,`` adding that the UN official ``should be careful what he says and does, in order to remain credible.``

``I would like to send a message to Mr. Downer and all those involved and who wish to remain trustworthy, effective and serious. They should make sure they remain within the terms of their mission,`` Garoyian said.

He added that President Christofias has already clarified that ``he does not accept arbitration of any form, either direct or indirect, and he does not accept strict deadlines or reasoning that presents the unlawful as lawful.``

``For this reason, Mr. Downer should remain within the terms of his mission, that is to facilitate the process`` of the talks, Garoyian pointed out.

[02] PARTIES - CYPRUS TALKS

The leaders and representatives of Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot parties had their regular meeting, under the auspices of the Slovak embassy to Cyprus.

A joint communique issued after the meeting noted that ``they expressed opinions on the issue The right of Cyprus to its sea, the Law of the Sea and their relevance to Cyprus as proposed by the hosting party, the New Cyprus party.``

``The participants reiterated their support to the two leaders of the two communities in the efforts to find an agreed solution to the Cyprus problem as soon as possible`` the communique, read out by the Slovak Ambassador Anna Turenikova, added.

[03] CHINESE AMBASSADOR - CYPRUS

Speaking at a press conference to mark the 60th anniversary of the People`s Republic of China and the completion of his term as Ambassador to Cyprus, Zhao Yali said the position of the Chinese government on the Cyprus problem is clear.

``We consistently and steadfastly support the sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence of Cyprus, and we always say that these principles must be safeguarded and respected. The problem will be solved on the basis of UN resolutions, and the solution must be acceptable by both Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots. It must also take into consideration the concerns of the two sides and serve the interests of the people of Cyprus,`` he said.

Referring to commercial ties, Zhao Yali said there was room for improvement of relations. ``We must see which practical measures we must take, especially in the sectors of investments and tourism,`` he pointed out.

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