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Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 01-09-13Cyprus Press and Information Office: News Updates in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office Server at <http://www.pio.gov.cy/>Thursday, 13 September 2001CONTENTS
[01] Cyprus extends its condolences to the victims of the terrorist attacks in the United StatesThe President of the Republic, Mr Glafcos Clerides, on 11 September 2001, sent the following message to the President of the United States, Mr George Bush: "I have learned of the abhorrent terrorist attacks on innocent civilian targets in New York City and Washington, D.C. upon my arrival in Montreal where my airplane, on the way to New York, was diverted. I strongly condemn, in the most unequivocal manner, these cowardly, horrific acts against the American people and extend to the families of the victims my heartfelt condolences on behalf of the Government and the people of Cyprus".The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Ioannis Kasoulides, on 11 September 2001, sent the following message to the Secretary of State of the United States, Mr Colin Powell: "As I happened to be in New York I watched with abhorrence the cowardly terrorist attacks against New York and Washington. I wish to express the profound sympathy and grief of the Government and the people of Cyprus to the families of the victims and the people of the United States and to underline our strong and unequivocal condemnation of these abhorrent acts of terrorism against innocent people". The Ambassador of Cyprus in Washington, Ms Erato Kozakou Marcoullis, sent on 11 September 2001 the following telegraph to the Governor of State of New York, Mr George Pataki and to the New York City Mayor, Mr Rudolf Giuliani. "I wish to express my Government/s and my personal abhorrence and strong condemnation for the cowardly terrorist attacks against New York City that resulted in the loss of life of thousands of innocent civilians. Please accept the deep condolences, grief and sorrow of the Government, of the people of Cyprus and of my own for the deaths of the innocent victims of these terrible terrorist attacks". [02] Statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of CyprusYesterday (11 September 2001) the world watched with horror the massive destruction and suffering caused by the shocking events that took place in the United States of America. The condolences of the Government and people of Cyprus to President Bush, the American people and the relatives of the victims have already been expressed at the highest level, condemning at the same time these abhorrent acts of terrorism that brought carnage, terror and loss of life to many innocent people.The terrorist attacks were attacks not only against the United States and its people but against the international legal order, democracy, freedom and the most fundamental of all human rights, that of the right to life. Yesterday, terrorists attacked humanity and human dignity. The Government of Cyprus unconditionally condemns these criminal acts of terrorism, of which the aim was to indiscriminately kill, maim and terrorise, whoever the perpetrators were. There is no cause that can be justified by criminal acts against innocent people such as those witnessed yesterday. The Republic of Cyprus holds as a central value respect for the rule of law and the Charter of the United Nations. It is party to the international conventions dealing with terrorism and has always unequivocally condemned terrorist acts whilst cooperating with other governments to suppress it. Tragically however, terrorism is an increasing phenomenon that transcends borders wreaking havoc and suffering of individuals, communities and countries alike. Yesterday's events underline that the members of the international community, both individually and collectively, must redouble their efforts in a more systematic and coordinated manner to fight terrorism and its sponsorship. On its part, the Government of Cyprus reiterates its commitment to the international fight against terrorism and will seek to further augment its capacity to collect and utilize information for the purpose of combating terrorism and cooperating with others to this end. It will continue and further enhance its cooperation both at the bilateral level as well as in international for a to combat, prevent and suppress terrorism in all its manifestations and forms. [03] Poos: I have never had relations of private interest with the Republic of CyprusThe Europarliamentarian, Mr Jacques Poos, on 10 September 2001,sent a letter to the Turkish Foreign Minister, Mr Ismail Cem, denying turkish accusations against him (letter by the Turkish Foreign Ministry dated 3 September 2001), noting that he had never had any kind of relations of private interest with the Republic of Cyprus. He also challenged the Turkish Foreign Minister to present proof, if he has any, of the accusations attributed to him. Mr Poos called on Mr Cem to consider that the unfounded threatening accusations and the irresponsible position held in the letter of 3 September 2001 by the Turkish side aimed at slandering his report on Cyprus and at attacking the European Parliament. Mr Poos reminded Mr Cem that on 5 September 2001 the proposal for a resolution on Cyprus was adopted by 90 per cent of the Europarliamentarians who had the right to vote.Mr Poos added that the resolution on Cyprus "contrary to what you write in your statement, does not weaken the mission of good services of the UN Secretary General but on the contrary it clearly confirms it". The resolution, Mr Poos added, "conforms with the UN Security Council/s resolutions on Cyprus and if this position was accepted by Turkey then the Cyprus problem would have been solved within this year". It is noted that during the workings of the Committee of Foreign Affairs of the European Parliament (11 September 2001), the Europarliamentarians condemned Turkey/s attack against Mr Poos noting that these kind of reactions were unacceptable to the European Parliament. [04] The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will provide information to the Cypriot nationals in the USAFollowing the Foreign Minister/s, Ioannis Kasoulides, instructions, the government's Diplomatic Mission in the United States of America has begun collecting information in the eventuality of existence of Cypriots amongst the victims of the terrorist attacks in New York and Washington.The Foreign Ministry/s Services will be available to the public for providing relevant information and assistance. For this purpose a special team coordinated by Mr Nearchos Palas, Councellor A/, has been formed. Telephone numbers: 02-300630 (office) 02-455718 (residence) 09-660129 (Officer on duty) Telefax number: 02-665313. [05] Turkey must reach an agreement with Cyprus nowThe Co-Chairman of the Joint EU-Turkey Parliamentary Committee Mr Daniel Cohn Bendit stated during yesterday's session of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the European Parliament in Brussels, that Turkish politicians must stop playing around with Europe and stressed the need for Turkey to reach an agreement with Cyprus as soon as possible. Speaking during a discussion of the report prepared by Rapporteur Alain Lamassoure on Turkey's EU accession, Mr Bendit pointed out if there is no agreement with Cyprus now, everything that has been achieved so far will collapse.In his intervention, Euro MP Mr Johannes Swoboda said that Turkey's problems will be solved sooner or later, but one should be accurate about the Cyprus problem too. He pointed out that the years 2001-2002 are decisive for the Cyprus issue, which is the most important issue for the accession of Turkey into the European Union. Mr Swoboda also stressed that the discussion on Cyprus cannot be postponed, noting that this must be discussed and decided upon now. He also expressed dissatisfaction with the Turkish Foreign Ministry press release regarding the Report of Rapporteur Jacques Poos on Cyprus. British Euro MP Patrick Duff said that the Cyprus problem is a critical issue, which unfortunately must be examined at a time of social and economic crisis in Turkey. Many Members of the European Parliament, who took part in the debate condemned Turkey for its stance towards Cyprus. From the Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office (PIO) Server at http://www.pio.gov.cy/Cyprus Press and Information Office: News Updates in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |
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