Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 02-09-25

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

Wednesday, 25 September 2002

CONTENTS

• [01] PACE condemns Turkey's refusal to implement Court's Decisions
• [02] Cyprus Government calls for implementation of UN Resolutions on Iraq
• [03] Cyprus UN Representative calls on Israel to lift its siege
• [04] UN peace talks on Cyprus problem continue

[01] PACE condemns Turkey's refusal to implement Court's Decisions

Recommendation 1576 (2002) [1] states the following:

"1.The Assembly referring to its Resolution 1297 (2002) on implementation of decisions of the European Court of Human Rights taken by Turkey urges the Committee of Ministers to take all necessary measures to ensure the execution of the Court's decisions without delay, notably by ensuring that the recent legislation of reopening of proceedings enters immediately into force and is made applicable to all cases pending before the Committee of Ministers for control of execution under Article 46 of the Convention;

2.The Assembly in particular expresses its grave concern about Turkey's continued refusal to respect the Court's judgment in the Loizidou case and its invitation to Turkey to ensure payment of the just satisfaction owed to the applicant;

3.Referring also to its Recommendation 1546 (2002) in which it strongly supported the Committee of Ministers appeal to the authorities of the member states to take whatever action they deem necessary to ensure the proper execution of judgments in situations where the Committee of Ministers has found the respondent state to be in breach of its fundamental obligations under the Convention to comply with the judgments of the European Court of Human Rights;

4.Recommends to the Committee of Ministers to consider taking all the necessary measures in case Turkey refuses or continues to delay payment of the just satisfaction, including the seizure of the corresponding sum on Turkey's contribution to the Council of Europe, and the application of a daily fine as already recommended in its Recommendation 1477 (2000);

5.Finally, with respect to the Sakak, Zana, Dicle and Dogan case, the Assembly referring to its Resolution 1297 (2002) and to Turkey's obligation under the Convention to take concrete measures to remedy the consequences of the violation found by the Court, urges the Committee of Ministers to use all means at its disposal to ensure compliance with the judgment without further delay

[1].Assembly debate on 23 September 2002 (25th Sitting). See Doc. 9537, report of the Committee on Legal Affairs and Human Rights (rapporteur: Mr Jurgens). Text adopted by the Assembly on 23 September 2002 (25th Sitting)."

"The Assembly accordingly drew up a list of the oldest and/or most important cases still unsolved. These cases notably raised issues relating to respect for life and prohibition of torture, freedom of expression and unfair trial. In addition this list included the Cyprus v. Turkey case and in particular the problem of missing persons and the violations of human rights of the Greek Cypriots in northern Cyprus.

The list finally also included the Loizidou case in which Turkey continues to refuse to take the measures required to comply with its basic obligation under Article 46 (1) to abide by the Court's judgment.

The Assembly also notes with grave concern Turkey's continued refusal to respect the Court's judgments in the Loizidou case. It finds with the Committee of Ministers that this refusal demonstrates a manifest disregard by Turkey for its international obligations, both as a High Contracting Party to the Convention and as a member State of the Council of Europe. The Assembly therefore invites Turkey to ensure payment of the just satisfaction owed to the applicant without any further delay. In case this request is not satisfied, the Assembly will consider the consequences of such a continuing refusal at its session in April 2003."

[02] Cyprus Government calls for implementation of UN Resolutions on Iraq

Mr. Kasoulides made the above statement after having received a letter by his British counterpart, Mr. Jack Straw, accompanied by a classified report issued by the Foreign Office including evidence and facts on the existence of weapons of mass destruction in Iraq.

The Cyprus Minister noted that there is an effort by the international community to implement UN Resolutions, beginning with the return of inspectors to Iraq to ensure that no weapons of mass destruction exist or if they do exist that they will be destroyed. "We consider that peace, security and international legality can only be achieved with the implementation of Security Council resolutions", he said.

Mr. Kasoulides also made reference to Cyprus, saying that it is a victim of the non-implementation of UN Resolutions. "We hope that a war, which will have economic repercussions in our region, will be avoided and that the collective action of the Security Council and the collective wisdom of its members will be such as to impose the implementation of the resolutions without any further consequences", he added.

[03] Cyprus UN Representative calls on Israel to lift its siege

In his speech, Mr. Zakheos stated the following:

"My delegation has aligned itself with the statement of the European Union. I would like however, to make the following brief remarks.

The Government of Cyprus expressed on several occasions its principled position on the Palestinian Question.

In particular we have condemned, in an unequivocal way, terrorist acts and suicide bombings, which have resulted in the loss of lives of Israeli civilians. At the same time, we have pointed out that the continuing occupation, the destruction of the Palestinian infrastructure, the prolonging of the daily suffering of the Palestinians, as a result of the closures, curfews, unemployment and the worsening economic situation, do not create the necessary climate for reconciliation and regional stability.

We have all along called for restraint and moderation from both sides and implored them to look beyond confrontation and return to the negotiating table, as well as take steps to break the cycle of violence. We share the international community's belief that there can be no military solution or an imposed settlement.

We have watched, with great expectation, the cessation of suicide killings for six weeks. We had indeed hoped that this development, despite the continuing Israeli actions resulting in the loss of lives in the West Bank and Gaza, would have led to intensified moves towards a road map for achieving the goal of the international community for the existence of two states, Israel and Palestine, living side by side within secure and recognized borders, as envisaged by Resolution 1397 (2002). We express therefore our dismay over the recent escalation, following the suicide bombings in Israel and the terrorist attack on a Palestinian school in Hebron.

The Government of the Republic of Cyprus expresses its deep concern over the disproportionate Israeli response and the actions of the Israeli army aimed at the Headquarters of President Arafat. We call on Israel to lift its siege without further delay.

We must be frank. We cannot understand how the siege of the Palestinian Headquarters and the personal hardship imposed on the elected leader of the Palestinians, can lead to an increase in Israeli security or facilitate the efforts for Palestinian reforms which are supported by the international community. We call on Israel to consider the long term consequences of such actions.

In conclusion Mr. President, we reiterate the need for the implementation of the relevant UN resolutions, as well as the provisions of the Geneva Conventions. We especially express our concern for the killing of children, and of unarmed demonstrators".

[04] UN peace talks on Cyprus problem continue

The regular meetings between President Clerides and Mr. Denktash are taking place under the auspices of the United Nations, within the framework of direct talks for finding a solution to the Cyprus problem.

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

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