Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 02-10-22

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

Tuesday, 22 October 2002

CONTENTS

• [01] President Clerides briefs National Council
• [02] There is no solution plan, says UN envoy
• [03] Czech - Cyprus parliamentary committees discuss EU affairs

[01] President Clerides briefs National Council

The Government Spokesman, Mr. Michalis Papapetrou, told the press after the meeting that National Council members had asked for some clarifications, which were provided by President Clerides.

Asked to comment on the delay in the setting up of the two bicommunal technical committees, as the UN Secretary-General had asked in the context of the UN-led talks between the two sides, Mr. Papapetrou emphasized that "the Greek Cypriot side was ready to proceed in that direction and has no responsibility for the non-functioning of the committees".

With regard to the impact of that delay on the efforts to resolve the Cyprus issue, Mr. Papapetrou pointed out that time limits were pressing and that it was important not to lose any more time.

On the possibility of a solution plan being put forward by the UN, the Government Spokesman said that it depended upon many factors, such as Mr. Denktash's health condition as well as the other side's willingness to negotiate.

Invited to say whether the National Council would reconvene after the President's meeting with the UN Secretary-General's Special Adviser on Cyprus Mr. Alvaro de Soto, which was scheduled later in the day, Mr. Papapetrou replied that it would depend on possible developments.

[02] There is no solution plan, says UN envoy

On the two technical committees, Mr. de Soto said that the Turkish side had not yet appointed its representatives to the committees and expressed hope that it would do that very soon. "We hope that the committees will begin work as soon as possible", he added.

Asked to comment on his meetings in Ankara last week, the UN envoy noted: "my discussions in Turkey took place in a professional atmosphere, were very serious and covered all issues necessary", adding that "these discussions will continue, we are not yet at the end of the game".

Mr. de Soto departs today for Athens to hold meetings with the Greek government.

[03] Czech - Cyprus parliamentary committees discuss EU affairs

The Chairman of the Cyprus' parliamentary committee, Mr. Tassos Papadopoulos, underlined that the Greek Cypriot side had made some painful concessions on the Cyprus problem, in order to promote the solution of a bicommunal bizonal federation, based on the relevant UN resolutions, which guarantees human rights and the basic freedoms of all Cypriots. He also expressed the appreciation of the Cyprus' people for the Czech Republic's constant support to the efforts for finding a just solution to the Cyprus issue.

With regard to Cyprus' accession course, Mr. Papadopoulos stressed that Cyprus looks forward to the Copenhagen European Council in December, which will take the final decision on Cyprus' and the other candidate states' pending accession to the European Union. The Chairman of the Cyprus' House Committee on European Affairs called for the reinforcement of cooperation between Cyprus and the Czech Republic, especially after their accession to the EU.

On his turn, the Chairman of the Committee for European Integration of the Czech Chamber of Deputies, Mr. Pavel Svoboda, mentioned, inter alia, that it was unacceptable in the 21st century for countries to remain divided and under occupation, while reiterating his country's support to the efforts to resolve the Cyprus problem, in accordance to the relevant UN decisions.

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

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