Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 01-10-19

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From: The Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office Server at <http://www.pio.gov.cy/>

Friday, 19 October 2001

CONTENTS

• [01] Presentation of Credentials of the New Ambassador of Latvia
• [02] Presentation of Credentials of the New Ambassador of Italy
• [03] Presentation of Credentials of the Ambassador of Norway

[01] Presentation of Credentials of the New Ambassador of Latvia

Presenting his credentials, Mr Martins Lacis said, inter alia:

"I have a great honour to present to you the Letters by which Her Excellency the President of the Republic of Latvia has accredited me as the first Ambassador of the Republic of Latvia to the Republic of Cyprus. I undertake my duties with great expectations and with a deep sense of responsibility.

On behalf of the State President Mrs Vaira Vike -Freiberga and the government of Latvia I wish to convey to Your Excellency the most cordial greetings for the continued prosperity of the Republic of Cyprus and the well-being for its people.

Latvia admires the tenacity and perseverance that Cyprus has demonstrated in the EU pre-accession process and with pleasure we welcome the significant progress that your country has attained, having ensured smooth negotiation process, wide public support for EU accession and fulfilment of the EU criteria, thus setting a good and worthy example to other candidate countries.

Latvia also appreciates Cyprus' respect and commitment to the principles of international law and the Charter of the United Nations that is a remarkable expression of your country's desire for peace, stability, just and lasting order in Europe and the whole world.

Also, we do believe that the latest unexpected events in the world have once again acknowledged the importance of the promotion of a stable and close form of cooperation among the countries both at the European and Transatlantic level, determining the necessity for EU and NATO enlargement.

The bilateral relations of Latvia and Cyprus are in an excellent state. I am pleased to note that a number of bilateral agreements have been signed and some more are currently under consideration. However, the development of our relations in the last few years demonstrates that there is a scope for even more increased co-operation in a wide sphere of activities, particularly in the economic sector, environment protection, legislation issues regarding maritime law, both at a government and also at individual level".

Replying the President of the Republic, stated, inter alia:

"It gives me great pleasure to welcome you to Cyprus and receive your Letters of Credence as the Ambassador of the Republic of Latvia to the Republic of Cyprus. I wish to assure you that the members of my Government and I, look forward to providing every possible assistance to you in the exercise of your high duties.

Excellent relations and close cooperation exist between Cyprus and Latvia, based on their common adherence to the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter, the norms of the international legal order, as well as the lasting values of peace, democracy and human rights. I remain certain that upon accession of our countries to the EU this cooperation will be further cemented and expanded.

The aspirations of your country to be fully integrated into the economic, political and security institutions of the Euro-Atlantic community reflects your country's commitment to contribute to the European constructive process aimed to build a united, prosperous and democratically integrated Europe. We follow with great interest the consistent efforts of your country in this direction and commend its achievements, as it progressively becomes a stronger European Union candidate.

I take this opportunity to express our gratitude for your country's interest and genuine concern regarding the long-standing Cyprus problem. Your country has always maintained a principled and constructive attitude regarding the Cyprus problem and has extended its steadfast support to our efforts to reach a just, viable and lasting solution, for which we are grateful

It is highly regrettable that despite the active involvement of the international community and the goodwill and constructive approach demonstrated all these years by the Greek Cypriot side, all efforts undertaken so far for a peaceful settlement of the Cyprus problem were systematically rejected by the Turkish side, which has not demonstrated a political will for a comprehensive, just and functional solution. Despite the difficulties our side remains firmly committed in its search for a solution, which will ensure the prosperity and security of all Cypriots, within a united Cyprus, a federal Cyprus, free from occupation forces and illegal settlers, where the human rights of all citizens Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots will be safeguarded".

[02] Presentation of Credentials of the New Ambassador of Italy

Presenting his credentials Mr. la Francesca said, inter alia: «It is a great honour for me to present to Your Excellency the Letters of Credence by which H.E. the President of the Republic of Italy has appointed me as Ambassador of Italy to the Republic of Cyprus.

Today, the relations between our two countries continue to be excellent at all levels. Italy ranks among the first commercial partners of Cyprus, cultural relations - which have been recently strengthened by the signature of the renewal of the relative bilateral Protocol - have been constantly expanding thanks to the admirable work of archaeologists, artists, businessmen, teachers and students from both sides and the tireless efforts made by the two Diplomatic Missions to organize and host artistic events.

Allow me, Mr President, to express my deep conviction that - in the present, delicate international situation - it would be a great mistake to downgrade the Cypriot question to a medium-term objective for the International Community. On the contrary, the strong commitment of the Secretary-General of the United Nations to promote a comprehensive settlement though a negotiated solution is to be regarded as a high-priority, creating an historic opportunity which must not be wasted.

In my contacts with the Turkish-Cypriot leadership I intend to continue the work which the Italian Government has been doing, by conveying the message that such a solution will be in their interest as much as in the interest of the Greek-Cypriots, of the European Union and of stability in the Mediterranean area.

In taking up my duties, I wish to assure Your Excellency that I intend to provide my personal contribution towards a lasting solution enabling all people in Cyprus to live in prosperity and security within the common and peaceful framework of the European Union".

Replying the President of the Republic said, inter alia:

«Cyprus and Italy enjoy excellent relations and are linked with friendly ties of partnership and cooperation on a full range of bilateral, regional and international issues. It is true that throughout the ages the Mediterranean has provided a firm link between our peoples and history has joined them. These age-ïld bonds constitute a historical basis for the abiding strength of the universally-proclaimed ideals of peace, justice and human rights, which fïrm the main pillars of the European legacy that both our countries share.

At this point I wish to emphasize that in the present tense international situation, following the terrible terrorist acts targeted against the US on the 11th of September, it is crucially important to safeguard these highly cherished values and norms, which are of universal significance and are now under threat. Cyprus fully supports the UN request for participation in the fight against international terrorism and has declared its intention to cooperate with the US and with all the countries that have been committed to combat this highly dangerous phenomenon.

It is widely recognized that the last few decades have seen the resurgence of regional dynamics in international relations. As part of the Euromediterranean area, with its unique geostrategic position, Cyprus stands ready to work in partnership with your country, as well as with other countries in this area to promote the common task of transforming the Mediterranean from a conflictual zone, to a model of regional integration, with peace and prosperity prevailing. The Euromediterranean Partnership, as it maps out a new approach to regional structures of interaction, provides an effective forum for enhanced cooperation between our two countries, a cooperation that will be given further strength and greater scope when Cyprus will join the European Union.

In this regard, I wish to reiterate what we have constantly emphasized, that we are convinced that the prospect of membership provides a historical opportunity to find a solution to the long standing Cyprus problem. We are also convinced that Cyprus accession will be beneficial for both communities on the island, Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots, bringing increased prosperity and security to all. It is abundantly clear that Turkey's policies are incompatible with today's international environment and definitely contrary to the principles and norms of international law, as well as the underlying principles of the main European institutions such as the Council of Europe, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe and of course the European Union. It is high time for Turkey to understand that its aggressive policies constitute a grave anachronism and an offence to the values cherished by Europe and the world community, at large».

[03] Presentation of Credentials of the Ambassador of Norway

Presenting her credentials Mrs Mona Juul said, inter alia:

«I have the honour to present to you the Letter by which His Excellency King Harald V accredits me as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Norway to the Republic of Cyprus.

Allow me Your Excellency, to take the opportunity to complement Your Excellency on the prudent way you have guided your country during the difficult circumstances you have been faced with. Through hard work and wise leadership the Republic of Cyprus has won world-wide respect for the way it has managed to increase and secure the welfare of its citizens and its economic growth, despite the problems resulting from the long and tragic division of the Island.

The relations between Norway and the Republic of Cyprus are excellent and the contacts have been, enhanced over the last years, not at least due to tourism. Each year a great number of Norwegians travel to Cyprus to experience its beauty and its friendly atmosphere. I can assure you that I will do my utmost to broaden our relationship during my duty as Ambassador to the Republic of Cyprus.

Let me assure you of my Government's constant support for the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of the Republic of Cyprus. We regret the decision to declare unilaterally the establishment of a so-called independent Republic of Northern Cyprus.

Norway regrets that the Turkish-Cypriot side did not respond positively to the efforts to resume the negotiations last month. Being a member of the Security Council, Norway encourages the United Nations Secretary General to continue his efforts using the guidelines in Security Council Resolution 1250.

It is the most sincere wish of the Norwegian Government that the still unresolved conflict in Cyprus will find its peaceful and just settlement in the near future. It is our hope that your accession negotiations with the European Union will be conducive to that effect ».

Replying the President of the Republic, said, inter alia:

"My Government attaches particular significance to the long tradition of close friendship and cooperation between our two countries and remains firmly committed to further enhance and reinforce the existing warm ties of partnership pursued at the bilateral as well as at the international level.

The active engagement and involvement of your country in the international scene is multifaceted, as it renders effective and efficient contribution in peacekeeping, peace enforcement, conflict prevention and conflict management in crises, not only in Europe but in the world as a whole. Your country´s attention to crises that merit concern has been directed also to the situation in our country. Norway/s support and serious concern over the tragic aspects of the Cyprus problem, for which we are grateful, has been shown in various ways including the substantial financial assistance to UNFICYP.

Central among the concerns of your country is the safeguarding of human rights. The tragic plight of Cyprus is essentially an epitome of persistent infringements of human rights, a testimony of blatant violations of the purposes and the principles of international law and the UN Charter.

The Cyprus Government has overtly demonstrated over the years a spirit of good will, being constructive and pragmatic in its search for a solution to the Cyprus problem, a solution which would ensure peace, security and prosperity for all the people of Cyprus, establishing a bicommunal and bizonal federation with a single sovereignty, a single international personality and a single citizenship. I wish tï reaffirm that on our side we are determined, despite the intransigent and most negative stance of the Turkish side manifested all these years, to continue our struggle until we achieve a just and permanent settlement to the Cyprus question.

Parallel to our struggle to push forward the peace process, we pursue, with strong tenacity and unwavering commitment our accession process towards the European Union. It is our firm belief that these two processes are mutually reinforcing. The prospect of membership is vested with highly positive potential, since it can and should effectively contribute to our efforts to achieve a settlement of the Cyprus question".

From the Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office (PIO) Server at http://www.pio.gov.cy/

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