Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 09-11-25

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

CONTENTS

[01] UNSG REPORTS CYPRUS

[02] GREEK PRESIDENT TURKEY EU

[03] EP TURKEY DRAFT RESOLUTION

[04] CAMERON CYPRUS TALKS

[01] UNSG REPORTS CYPRUS

The first report concerns the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) and the second report the UNSGs good offices mission in Cyprus and developments regarding the Cyprus problem between end of May and end of November, 2009.

The draft UNFICYP report is considered to be objective and technocratic, whereas in contrast to previous reports, it will not include the chapter on the UNSGs good offices mission.

According to a diplomat of a UN Security Councils permanent country, the report on the UNSGs good offices, is optimistic as regards progress achieved so far at the negotiating table between the two sides in Cyprus, but it is pointed out that there are important differences on various aspects and as a result, the two leaders in Cyprus are called upon to show flexibility and political courage.

The report includes references on the so-called isolation of Turkish Cypriots. The Cypriot diplomacy has begun efforts to change the wording of the reference so that to comply with the relevant references of the UN Security Council.

It also includes UNSGs Special Advisor for Cyprus, Alexander Downers assessments regarding the positions of the Greek Cypriot and the Turkish Cypriot sides on various aspects of the Cyprus problem.

Downer will hold a meeting in New York in December with UNSG Ban Ki moon and other officials of the UN Secretariat, as well as Ambassadors and representatives of the parties involved and the UNSCs P5. He will also inform the UNSC on recent developments regarding the ongoing negotiations between the leaders of the two communities in Cyprus.

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

Cypriot President Demetris Christofias and the leader of the Turkish Cypriot community Mehmet Ali Talat began peace talks in September 2008, under UN auspices to find a mutually acceptable solution.

[02] GREEK PRESIDENT TURKEY EU

In his speech at the official dinner given in honour of Bulgarian President Georgi Parvanov who is visiting Athens, Papoulias said that in December, the European Council will judge and will be judged. Turkey ought to implement its legal decisions. If it does not do so, then basic consistency imposes on the EU to take decisions that are not ostensible, he said.

According to a news report of the Athens News Agency, regarding the Cyprus issue, the Greek President thanked the Bulgarian government for its stable and unlimited support in efforts for an overall Cyprus solution.

The Cyprus issue remains a problem of invasion and occupation. It is an international issue, which deeply affects Greco-Turkish relations. It is essentially an obstacle in the relations between the EU and Turkey. Greece supports a solution that will respect the principles of freedom, democracy, the rule of law and human rights. A European solution, that complies with the acquis communautaire and is viable, without foreign troops and settlers. Which will include the removal of all foreign troops from Cyprus and without mediation or deadlines, he added.

[03] EP TURKEY DRAFT RESOLUTION

According to a press release, the European Parliament says current and potential candidate countries must continue reforming to stay on track for eventual EU membership.

``Key issues, such as rule of law, freedom of expression, treatment of ethnic minorities and the fight against corruption and organised crime must still be addressed,`` according to the draft resolution, which was approved by the Foreign Affairs Committee on Monday and is scheduled for a plenary vote on November 26.

In the chapter on Turkey, the European Parliament ``calls on the Turkish government to contribute actively to the swift devising of a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus question.``

[04] CAMERON CYPRUS TALKS

These negotiations will have to go on, will have to succeed, will have to have a unified Cyprus with all outstanding issues settled. Thats what we want to achieve, Cameron said speaking during a meeting of the Conservative Party in London.

Cameron was answering to a question raised by the President of Democratic Party in Britain Michalis Ellinas, for the position of the British Conservative Party over the Turkeys stance in Cyprus and the EU.

It is difficult to be an optimist about the issue of Cyprus, but actually there is a case for some optimism, he said and added: Cyprus is a member of the EU, very successful one. Turkey wants to become a member. It seems that it gives us an opportunity to try and get what we want to achieve which is a unified Cyprus where all the outstanding issues are settled and where people get confidence to go forward.

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