Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 02-06-28

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

Friday, 28 June 2002

CONTENTS

• [01] Armenian new Ambassador: "Armenia fully supports a solution on Cyprus stemming from the UN resolutions"
• [02] Presentation of Credentials
• [03] President Clerides receives Australian Special Envoy for Cyprus
• [04] Commerce Minister in Latvia

[01] Armenian new Ambassador: "Armenia fully supports a solution on Cyprus stemming from the UN resolutions"

Presenting his credentials, Mr Kazhoyan, inter alia said: "My assignment coincides with a crucial stage in the history of our countries. I believe that this important juncture, has presented us with new opportunities for closer co-operation to enhance the relations between our two nations for the benefit of our generation and the generations to come".

Noting the similarities between the two countries, the Armenian Ambassador said: "The courage of your people to fight for their future as an independent nation deserves admiration. The most difficult responsibility was undertaken in the most difficult times, guiding the people of Cyprus to its independence. Modern Cyprus is a showcase of remarkable achievements. Through wise leadership and hard work the country performed miracles, winning worldwide respect for the way it has managed to provide for the welfare of its citizens, despite the problems arising from the unlawful division of the island.

Indeed, the determination to overcome the legacy of the past injustices shall pave the way towards the peaceful solution for the Cyprus issue. Let me once again confirm that the Republic of Armenia fully supports a solution stemming from the resolutions of the UN Security Council. We follow closely the recent development and highly appreciate your personal efforts Mr. President, to achieve the right, fair and durable solution for the country as a whole. Undoubtedly, the unified Cyprus will have a greater role in the international community. We do recognise the important and constructive role of the Republic of Cyprus, not only as a member of the United family of Nations but we are also confident that Cyprus shall find its rightful place in the European Union."

Mr Kazhoyan availed himself of the opportunity to express, on behalf of his Government, "the sincere gratitude to the Government and people of Cyprus for all their love extended to the Armenian community who has shared both the hardships and good times with their Cypriot compatriots".

"They have become devoted citizens and contribute their best to the well- being and prosperity of the Island. By all means, they have been and are the best ambassadors of Armenia in Cyprus", he added.

Concluding Mr Kazhoyan said: "The last few years, since Armenia's independence, were marked by a number of high level official visits by Armenian and Cypriot delegations. Several important agreements were signed bringing our states to a new stage of cooperation in a very wide spectrum of political, military, economic and cultural spheres".

Replying, the President of the Republic inter alia said:

"Our two countries are linked together by their common commitment to the principles and ideals enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, as well as the principles encoded in the international legal order. Your presence here gives me the opportunity to reiterate our determination to work towards strengthening even further our relationship in new areas of common interest for the mutual benefit of both our countries and peoples. I trust that our multilateral and bilateral relations will be enhanced even further. Cyprus and the friendly Government of Armenia share common values regarding human rights regardless of race, colour, religion, ideology or gender. Both our peoples have been victims of mass violations of human rights, including the basic right to life.

I would like to note the presence of Cypriots of Armenian origin in our country and express my admiration for their very active participation in all spheres of our society. They act as a bridge between our two countries.

We appreciate Armenia's' unwavering support for the implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolutions on Cyprus, which provide the framework and the basis for a viable and lasting solution to the question of Cyprus.

A just and viable solution to the Cyprus problem has always been the first and foremost priority of our efforts. Despite the political will demonstrated by us for a negotiated and lasting settlement within the framework of relevant Security Council Resolutions, the Cyprus question is, for 28 years still unresolved due to the Turkish intransigence and negative attitude. The recent negotiations, which began in January this year, have not yet borne fruit due to the Turkish insistence on legalizing its military occupation and to-days' de-facto situation. The other side has altered the tone but not the substance of its objective, which is none other than the division of the island and the creation of two Cypriot States. This however, is unacceptable to the United Nations, the Council of Europe, the European Union, and the principles of International Law.

Despite the lack of progress so far, we shall never abandon our endeavors to reach a negotiated and lasting settlement. We are looking to the future and not the past. We are contemplating the day when Cyprus shall be a member of the European Union, and all Cypriots shall be united with their political, civil, economic, religious and cultural rights fully secured and guaranteed by the acquis communautaire".

[02] Presentation of Credentials

Presenting his credentials Mr. Tee Tua Ba, inter alia said:

"Singapore and Cyprus, which share many similarities, have always enjoyed a warm and friendly relationship. As small island-states with common views on many issues, we have cooperated closely at international fora, such as the United Nations, the Commonwealth, the Non-Aligned Movement and the World Trade Organisation.

The economies of Singapore and Cyprus have also overcome similar physical limitations, such as our small size and population and lack of natural resources. By emphasising free trade, free enterprise and a leading role for the private sector, our two countries have achieved significant economic development. Therefore, Singapore and Cyprus could become each other's gateway to their respective regions. Singapore businessmen could benefit from Cyprus' business links in the Mediterranean, Middle East and Europe. In the same light, Cyprus could make effective use of Singapore's first-hand knowledge to explore economic opportunities in the Asia-Pacific region."

Replying, the President of the Republic said that the ongoing division of Cyprus and our constant and intense efforts to resolve this long-running political problem had absorbed most of our resources in the past 28 years. "We value your support in our struggle to find a just and viable solution to this problem and alleviate its immeasurable consequences" he added.

We hope that in the near future we will see our country reunited and witness its accession to the European Union, thus initiating an era of peace and prosperity in this historically apprehensive region. This development will unquestionably allow us more time and resources in which to work towards advancing our relations with all countries, and especially the ones with comparable attributes.

Unfortunately, our willingness to resolve the Cyprus problem has not thus far been met with the analogous response by the intransigent Turkish Cypriot leadership, which continues to envisage a solution outside the framework of UN Resolutions.

We are both young republics and small states but we have both had enviable growth on a financial and social scale. I would like to express my sheer admiration for the example that Singapore is providing for small States around the world, with its technological innovation, its multi-cultural social model, and its wise policies that have provided its citizens with one of the highest standards of living in the world" President Clerides concluded.

[03] President Clerides receives Australian Special Envoy for Cyprus

Present at the meeting were the High Commissioner of Australia, Mr Franz Johann Inguber and the Undersecretary to the President Mr. Pantelis Kouros.

After the meeting came to an end, Mr Short expressed Australia's warm support of the talks for the solution of the Cyprus problem and the hope that soon there would be progress towards the right direction, having in mind the present stalemate.

[04] Commerce Minister in Latvia

During Mr. Rolandis' meetings with Mr. Kalvitis as well as with the Latvian Minister of Environment, Regional Development and Tourism, Mr. Makarov, they discussed the prospects for cooperation between the two countries in their fields. There was also extensive discussion on the two countries' EU accession course and the dynamic caused by the prospect for closer relations in order to take advantage of the new opportunities that will arise.

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

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