Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 10-05-02

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

CONTENTS

[01] HOUSE PRESIDENT CYPRUS PROBLEM

[02] DOWNER CYPRUS

[01] HOUSE PRESIDENT CYPRUS PROBLEM

He also warned that if the Turkish side continues to pursue a confederal solution, the direct talks will lead to further degeneration.

In a speech at the unveiling of a monument in Nicosia to mark the heroes of Turkish occupied village of Kythrea who fell or missing since the 1974 Turkish invasion, Garoyian said that we honour the 90 heroes of Kythrea, but at the same time, we have a great sense of responsibility to continue their struggle and justify their sacrifice.

We reaffirm and declare again our persistence for a fair, functional and viable solution to the Cyprus problem that will lead to the freedom and reunification of our country and return to our lands and properties, the House President said.

In his speech, Garoyian said that Ğalmost 36 years after the Turkish invasion and the occupation of Kythrea by the Turkish troops, we are facing a new peak in Turkish intransigence and arrogance. Almost 19 months of continued direct negotiations have led to nowhere, he noted.

Unfortunately, he said, the good will and flexibility of our side have not met the relevant response by the Turkish side, since Turkey insists on a confederal solution and is pursuing a solution of two states. At the same time, he added, as it has been proven by facts, the Turkish Cypriot community is playing no decisive role in the negotiations because it is Ankara that determines the Turkish policy and strategy on Cyprus, without taking into consideration the real interests of the Turkish Cypriots.

The House President warned that the direct talks are at a critical hub and if the Turkish side does not abandon its intransigence the direct talks will be led to further degeneration. In this case, the UN and the international community will register yet another failure.

President Christofias and former Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat began in September 2008 UN-led talks for a mutually agreed settlement to the problem of Cyprus, divided since 1974 when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. The process was interrupted on March 30 because of the so-called ``elections`` for a new leader that were won by Eroglu, known for his long-held divisive positions on the Cyprus problem.

[02] DOWNER CYPRUS

Prior to the start of the talks, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon will hold talks with the Turkish leadership in Ankara on 22 May while Downer will visit Ankara on 24 May.

Downer, who arrives in Cyprus on Sunday, will remain on the island until Wednesday. He is also scheduled to meet President of the Republic Demetris Christofias.

The UN has decided to give Eroglu a few weeks to become informed on the negotiations and prepare his teams.

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