Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 09-11-01

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

CONTENTS

[01] PRESIDENT CHRISTOFIAS - PRESIDENT OF INDIA - TALKS

[02] PRESIDENT - EU COUNCIL

[03] FORMER UNSG - CYPRUS

[01] PRESIDENT CHRISTOFIAS - PRESIDENT OF INDIA - TALKS

In the framework of Patils official visit to Cyprus the two leaders met yesterday at the Presidential Palace in Nicosia, where an official ceremony took place.

Speaking after the meeting, President Christofias said that the bilateral relations between Cyprus and India are excellent, as they are deeply rooted in time and have been through the common struggles for independence and within the Commonwealth and the Non Aligned Movement of which, as he noted, Archbishop Makarios and Jawaharlal Nehru were co-founders.

Christofias stated that the two leaders had cordial and substantial talks, during which they reaffirmed the strong bonds of friendship and solidarity between the Cypriot and Indian peoples and also their intention to develop bilateral relations even further in all areas and at all levels.

We attach great significance both to political and economic relations the President said, underlining that Cyprus as a banking and financial services centre, can become a significance source through which foreign investments may be channeled to the rapidly developing economy of India.

Among the issues discussed, was the perspective of India to become a permanent member of the Security Council.

We appreciate the contribution of India to the international political scene and we consider that if in the future a decision is made to reform the UN Security Council, India should be entitled to become a permanent member of this body Christofias said.

EU-India relations were also on the agenda. According to Christofias, the Republic of Cyprus will work towards further strengthening these relations within the Strategic Partnership framework and the Joint Action Plan.

With regards to the Cyprus problem, the Cypriot President briefed his Indian counterpart on current developments, the serious difficulties that the Greek Cypriot side is facing, as he said, and Cyprus position regarding Turkeys EU accession process.

Cyprus supports the full accession of Turkey to the EU but not unconditionally. Everyone must realize that Turkey should contribute positively to the efforts for a solution and fulfill its obligations. As long as Turkeys position remains intransigent, the accession course cannot remain unaffected the President said.

President Patil said the close and trusted friendship between the two countries is deeply rooted and goes back to the struggles for independence.

The founders of our nation, Mahatma Gandhi , Jawaharlal Nehru and Archbishop Makarios shared a vision of a just world and bonds of personal friendship with each other she added.

As she stated, India considers Cyprus a time-tested and valuable ally and appreciate its support for India`s permanent membership of the UN Security Council.

She noted that the discussions with President Christofias covered the entire spectrum of bilateral relations, as well as international and regional issues.

According to Patil, the two Presidents reviewed the functioning of the institutional arrangements for dialogue between Cyprus and India and also the agreements signed in the past few years which have created the necessary framework to enhance our relations.

The Indian President pointed out that economic development of Cyprus is a true success story.

India rejoices in the rapid development achieved by the people of the Republic of Cyprus she noted, adding that given the orientation of Cyprus in developing knowledge-based and hi-technology industry as one of the pillars of the economy, possibilities for cooperation with India are numerous on both of these sectors but also in the fields of biotechnology, research and development projects, agro-food processing, financial services, pharmaceuticals, tourism, film industry, construction and automobiles.

Regarding the political problem of Cyprus, Patil expressed the view that President Christofias initiatives have added momentum for resolving the long-standing Cyprus problem.

She also noted that the enthusiasm of the people at the opening of the Ledra Street crossing after 45 long years signified the hope and the desire of many people for unity.

In this framework Patil wished to the Cypriot President every success in achieving a solution of the Cyprus problem in accordance with the aspirations of Cyprus and the resolutions of the United Nations Security Council.

[02] PRESIDENT - EU COUNCIL

Speaking after the European Council, President Christofias said he had received assurances by all his European partners that the exemption of the Czech Republic from the Charter will not affect Cyprus nor will it become a precedent in the case of Cyprus.

Christofias expressed satisfaction with the Presidency conclusions of the EU Council on climate change, immigration and the economic and financial situation.

Referring to the Lisbon Treaty, President Christofias said that after the exemption given to Czech Republic, the EU is moving towards the final ratification of the Treaty.

Furthermore, he noted that during the two-day summit there was no reference to names for the posts of EU President and EU High Representative for Foreign Policy.

[03] FORMER UNSG - CYPRUS

Speaking to the Press after a reception given by the town authorities of Limassol, Ghali said he is ``optimist that a solution to the Cyprus problem could be found.

``You must continue,`` and ``the fact that you have failed to find a solution (by now) it doesnt mean that there is no solution,`` Ghali said.

He also expressed his belief ``that, with political will on both sides and with the assistance of countries which are interested to promote peace in the region,`` Cyprus ``will find a solution.``

``We have been able to find a solution to many other problems more complicated all over the world, in Latin America, in Africa, in Yugoslavia and different parts of the world,`` Ghali said.

``So,`` Ghali continued, ``there is no reason (not to find a solution), but you need patience and political will to continue negotiate until you find a solution.``

``In history 10 - 20 years is nothing,`` Ghali said, adding that ``what counts is the solution and what is important is to avoid a military confrontation.``

``The leaders know the problem better than I,`` he said, stressing that ``the leaders will have to talk to each other,`` and they ``will have to have the political will and what is more important the assistance of the international community.``

As Ghali stated ``it is of the interest not only of Cyprus but of the interest of all international community and the members of the EU, for the Mediterranean, to find a peaceful solution.``

``And I am optimist that you will find a solution and peace will prevail in Cyprus,`` he continued.

Asked whether Turkey is violating human rights in Cyprus, Ghali said to the journalists: ``You know I agree but we have violation of human rights in many different countries.``

``I am the President of the Commission of Human Rights in my country, Egypt, and I write reports saying that there is violations of Human Rights in my own country and this reports will be discussed next month in Geneva,`` Ghali said.

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