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Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 02-04-17Cyprus 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/>Wednesday, 17 April 2002CONTENTS[01] Romano Prodi: EU remains steadfast on Helsinki conclusionsThe President of the European Commission Mr Romano Prodi, at a meeting he had in Brussels with the Turkish Deputy Prime Minister and State Minister Responsible for EU Affairs, Mr Mesut Yilmaz, urged Turkey to support UN efforts for the solution of the Cyprus problem.Mr Prodi also reiterated that the EU remains steadfast on the Helsinki summit conclusions. [02] Foreign Minister addresses UN International Meeting in Support of Middle East PeaceThe Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Ioannis Kasoulides, addressed yesterday the UN International Meeting in Support of Middle East Peace, which is being held in Nicosia on 16 and 17 April 2002.Welcoming the participants, Mr Kasoulides said, inter alia: The Question of Palestine has dominated the international agenda for as long as one remembers. It is an on-going conflict that has cost immeasurable suffering to millions of people and has created an almost permanent situation of instability, whose repercussions extend far beyond the region of the Middle East. Cyprus, as a neighbouring state with long and strong bonds of friendship to the people of Palestine and Israel, is particularly pained by this seemingly never-ending cycle of violence that has tormented the two peoples over the years. The violence that we have witnessed since September of 2000 has surpassed even the most dire predictions, following the euphoria that a final solution could be achieved after the major breakthrough of the Madrid Conference and subsequent agreements signed on the principle of Land for Peace. Cyprus' long-held position on the solution of the Question of Palestine has been consistent and in line with international law. We strongly support the immediate implementation of resolutions 1397, 1402 and 1403 of the Security Council and the non-selective and comprehensive implementation of the recommendations of the Mitchell Report and the Tenet Plan. We furthermore fully support the efforts of the Quartet - the United Nations, the European Union, the United States and Russia - and especially the current effort of the US Secretary of State, Mr. Colin Powell, to bring the two parties together and pursue a peaceful solution to the conflict. We urge Israel to withdraw from the areas occupied by its troops earlier this month and to desist from any actions such as extra judicial executions, attacks on medical and humanitarian institutions and personnel, the settlement activities which are a clear violation of international law, to fully respect international humanitarian law and the Geneva Conventions and to accept the dispatch of an international force with extended powers to reflect the new situation on the ground. We furthermore call for respect and protection of all religious sites. Equally we condemn unequivocally any form of terrorism for which we find no justification, and urge for an immediate end of this practice. We express full sympathy to President Yasser Arafat, whom we consider the legitimate leader and elected representative of the Palestinian People, with a vital role to play in the peace process. We call upon Israel to lift the siege of the Palestinian Authority's headquarters in Ramallah and restore his freedom of movement. We welcome the resolution of the Arab League Meeting in Beirut and we reiterate our support for a just and lasting settlement to the Arab-Israeli conflict, based on resolutions 242 (1967) and 338 (1973) of the Security Council. A solution which will put an end to the occupation of Arab lands and to the plight of the Palestinian people, ensuring the fulfilment of their legitimate rights, including their right to an independent state. The solution of the Middle East problem will bring stability to this sensitive region of the world, will ensure normal relations, the safety and security of all countries of the region, including Israel, and will put an end to violence, strengthening the forces of moderation and cooperation. In conclusion, I wish you every success in your deliberations. [03] Relatives of missing persons appeal for helpRepresentatives of the Greek and Cypriot Committees of Relatives of Missing Persons and Undeclared Prisoners of War circulated yesterday in Geneva, at the UN Human Rights Committee, currently holding its 58th session, a document on the problem of Greek Cypriots and Greeks who are still missing since the Turkish invasion of Cyprus in 1974.The representatives of the two committees made an appeal to the international community and particularly to world organizations dealing with human rights to intervene, so that an end is given to this human tragedy. All interested parties, the relatives noted, should work constructively for the solution of this problem. There is no excuse for Turkey to continue to deny substantial investigation to determine the fate of all missing persons, they added. The representatives pointed out that the issue of the missing persons of Cyprus is an ongoing violation of the human rights of the missing persons themselves as well as of their relatives for twenty eight years, adding that the European Court of Human Rights found Turkey guilty on May 2001, for Turkey's failure to make a substantial and effective investigation to determine the fate of the persons who are missing and who were detained by the Turks. 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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