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Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 02-11-15Cyprus 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/>Friday, 15 November 2002CONTENTS
[01] French Foreign Ministry: The Helsinki decisions on Cyprus still apply even if UN plan is rejectedThe Spokesperson for the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, speaking during a press briefing on Tuesday, expressed France's full support to the UN Secretary-General's initiatives towards the attainment of a comprehensive solution to the Cyprus problem, and called on all sides to double their efforts in order to reach a settlement as soon as possible.At the same time, the Spokesperson emphasised that even if the two leaders in Cyprus rejected the UN solution plan, the island could still join the European Union, as the relevant Helsinki decisions would apply. Asked whether the EU candidacies of Cyprus and Turkey were connected in any way, the French FM Spokesperson noted that no connection existed and that, whereas Cyprus' negotiations with the EU were drawing to a close, the negotiations with Turkey had not yet begun. Furthermore, replying to a question on whether the "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus" would be recognised by France and the EU, the Spokesperson emphatically stated that the international community as a whole did not recognise the "TRNC". [02] 18 November deadline still stands, UN Deputy Spokesperson saysThe Deputy Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, Ms. Hua Jiang, made reference to Cyprus during the daily press briefing yesterday at UN Headquarters in New York, citing Mr. Annan's statement after his meeting with the US President, that "encouraging signals on Cyprus have been coming out of Ankara, Athens, Washington and other capitals".Invited to confirm a statement by the Turkish Cypriot leader, Mr. Rauf Denktash, who claimed that he got an extension in giving his initial reply to the UN plan, Ms. Jiang said she could not confirm such a thing and underlined that "as far as the Secretary-General is concerned, he still expects to hear the response by next Monday". The UN Deputy Spokesperson noted that Mr. Annan hoped to bring about a sense of urgency among the parties involved, "as they must realise that the opportunity that now exists will come to an end in a few weeks", adding that "delay will deprive the parties of precious time for negotiation". "The Secretary-General didn't want to impose a deadline on the parties, but he felt that one week was sufficient", Ms. Jiang said, referring to the deadline of 18 November for the two leaders to provide their initial response to the UN blueprint. Asked whether another deadline existed, that of 12 December, she replied that all other details were spelled out in the document itself and that so far, nothing had changed. [03] EU Foreign and Security Policy Chief welcomes UN initiative in CyprusThe High Representative for the EU's Foreign and Security Policy, Mr. Javier Solana, made the following comments on Tuesday with regard to the submission of the UN plan for a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem:"I welcome the decision taken by the UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan to put forward proposals as a basis for agreement on a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus issue. I would like to reaffirm my strong support for the tireless efforts of the Secretary-General Annan. There is now a window of opportunity for Cyprus. It will be up to the different actors to take their responsibilities and adopt a constructive approach." [04] UN plan a "historic and ground-breaking initiative", EP President saysThe President of the European Parliament (EP), Mr. Pat Cox, in a statement issued on Tuesday, called the UN peace plan for Cyprus a "historic and ground-breaking initiative".Mr. Cox's full statement reads as follows: "Kofi Annan's peace plan is a historic and ground-breaking initiative. He has provided the people of Cyprus with a once-in-a-generation opportunity for a comprehensive settlement, and the best chance after decades of deadlock both for reunification and for enabling a united Cyprus to join the EU. It is now up to the leaders of both communities to seize this unique opportunity. It will require every ounce of the considerable reserves of wisdom and political and moral courage of which Mr. Clerides and Mr. Denktash should be capable. After a lifetime of service to their respective communities, I do not doubt that they will rise to the task: they can count on the full support of the European Parliament. We must pull out all the stops to maximize the chances of a settlement before Copenhagen." 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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