Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 02-04-09

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

Tuesday, 9 April 2002

CONTENTS

• [01] Government and Parliament condemn Israeli stance against a Cypriot delegation
• [02] UN Secretary-General's Adviser expresses optimism for Cyprus settlement
• [03] German Christian Democrat Party (CDU) supports Cyprus' EU accession course
• [04] Foreign Minister meets with Indian Minister of State for External Affairs

[01] Government and Parliament condemn Israeli stance against a Cypriot delegation

The Government Spokesman, Mr Michalis Papapetrou, in a statement yesterday said that the delegation was treated in a way that was tantamount to psychological violence and that the passports of the delegation were stamped with a stamp prohibiting entry into Israel. These cannot be considered as actions that promote smooth relations between two states, Mr Papapetrou added pointing out that under the instructions of the President of the Republic, the Ambassador of Israel was summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at 11:15 a.m., and the relevant representations had been made about the incident.

Moreover, the President of the House of Representatives, Mr Demetris Christofias, sent a letter yesterday to his Israeli counterpart Mr Abraham Burg, in which he protested against the stance of the Israeli authorities to prohibit a delegation of six Cypriot MPs to enter Israel last Sunday.

Mr Christofias' letter was accompanied by a resolution adopted unanimously by the House of Representatives, which strongly condemns Israeli actions against the Palestinian people. The resolution read as follows:

Resolution by the House of Representatives of the Republic of Cyprus

The House of Representatives of the Republic of Cyprus,

Following with grave concern and sorrow the continuation and further deterioration of the critical situation prevailing in the Palestinian territories; and

Recalling its previous pertinent resolution, unanimously adopted on 7 February 2002,

Resolves as follows:

1. Condemns strongly and unreservedly Israeli acts and the genocide conducted by the Sharon government against the Palestinian people, perpetuating hatred and killing every prospect of peace in the area; Also condemns Israeli acts against holy places.

2. Calls upon the Israeli government to immediately withdraw its troops from the Palestinian territories and to put an end to the provocative siege of the President of the Palestinian Authority, Yasser Arafat, which defies any political reason and prevents any prospect of dialogue and of overcoming the tragic deadlock.

3. Expresses its firm support towards the suffering Palestinian people and its unreserved solidarity towards President Arafat, the uncontested leader and representative of his people, condemning all acts aiming at his physical and political annihilation.

4. Appeals with great agony for the immediate implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 14Q2 (2002) and of all previous pertinent UN resolutions, in particular Resolutions 242 (1967) and 338 (1973).

5. Resolutely supports the establishment of a Palestinian state as the only possible solution that will lead to peace, security and stability in the wider region.

6. Calls for the immediate resumption of the peace process and its unequivocal and substantial support by the international community

[02] UN Secretary-General's Adviser expresses optimism for Cyprus settlement

Speaking yesterday at a press conference held at the Ledra Palace Hotel in Nicosia the UN diplomat referred, inter alia, to the positive points in the statement by the Security Council on Cyprus and reiterated his conviction that there is a basis for finding a comprehensive solution to the Cyprus problem. The grounds for optimism have to be tempered with the concern that exists because of the difficulty that is arising with the capacity of the leaders coming together and making the kind of progress on the substance that is needed, he said.

Replying to a question on whether the UN was ready to present any papers or ideas to the two sides, Mr de Soto expressed the United Nations' readiness "to assist both parties in whatever way it is required, whether it be substantive or procedural."

Asked if he would want to change his role in the direct talks, Mr de Soto said that the two parties have agreed that these talks would be held after the invitation by the Secretary-General and within the framework of mandate of his good offices, adding that this procedure should be left as it.

Asked whether Cyprus would join the EU, if no solution were achieved by June, Mr de Soto said that June was not a deadline in the sense that a guillotine would fall or everything would come to an end if there was no agreement by then. In conclusion he noted that the target set by the leaders of the two communities in Cyprus, which was also shared by the Security Council, was fair and could materialise since it would permit the accession of a reunified Cyprus to the EU, during the next enlargement.

[03] German Christian Democrat Party (CDU) supports Cyprus' EU accession course

[04] Foreign Minister meets with Indian Minister of State for External Affairs

Speaking to the press after the meeting, Mr Kasoulides made a special reference to the close and friendly relations of the two countries, pointing out that India has been supporting the case of Cyprus in all international fora since 1974.

Mr Kasoulides said they had discussed the situation in Afghanistan, the problem of terrorism, the Middle East crisis and exchanged views on bilateral relations. Mr Kasoulides also availed himself of the opportunity to brief Mr Abdullah on the current situation in the Cyprus problem.

On his part, Mr Abdullah expressed satisfaction with the excellent relations between the two countries and reaffirmed his country's deep commitment to Cyprus' security, sovereignty, and territorial integrity as well as to the implementation of the UN Security Council relevant resolutions.

Finally, Mr Abdullah said that Cyprus had been India's biggest supporter in his country's effort to become a permanent member of the UN Security Council and expressed India's gratitude for this support.

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

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