|
|
|
Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 03-05-27
From: The Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office Server at <http://www.pio.gov.cy/>
[01]Tuesday, 27 May 2003 Nicosia and Athens call for a European solution in
Cyprus within UN framework
[01] Nicosia and Athens call for a European solution in Cyprus within UN
framework
The Cyprus and Greek governments remain committed to UN procedures for
reaching a 'European solution' of the Cyprus problem, the Greek Prime
Minister and current European Council President, Mr Costas Simitis,
stressed yesterday after a meeting with the Cyprus President, Mr Tassos
Papadopoulos, in Athens. The Greek Premier said that his three-hour meeting
with President Papadopoulos focused on two main issues, namely, European
issues and in particular the agenda of the Thessaloniki EU Summit in June,
and the ongoing efforts to resolve the Cyprus issue along with the
coordination of Athens and Nicosia on a foreign policy level.
"It is a joint assessment that the moves of the Turkish and Turkish Cypriot
side for the partial lifting of restrictions on movement between the
occupied and the free areas of Cyprus are not aimed at a solution of the
Cyprus issue but seek to create impressions and disorient the international
public opinion, alleviate pressures by the international community for a
solution of the problem, and ultimately, achieve the recognition of the
pseudo-state", Mr Simitis noted, adding that these moves were also a way of
taking the Cyprus issue out of the UN framework and gradually 'de-
internationalising' it. He further said that Cyprus' accession to the EU
could act as a catalyst for a just, viable and functional solution of the
Cyprus problem, adding, "We seek the resumption of the talks within the UN
framework on the basis of the Annan plan and Security Council Resolution
1475. We want a just, viable and functional solution that is compatible
with the acquis communautaire and EU principles". At the same time, Mr
Simitis warned the Greek Cypriot side against undertaking any initiative
for the resumption of the UN-led talks, noting, "If we resume talks without
changing the basic feature of the current situation, Mr Denktash's efforts
to have the pseudo-state recognised, then we would be led to the undermining
of the UN process". Referring to the Cyprus government's support measures
for Turkish Cypriots and the EU measures that the European Commission
planned to announce soon, Mr Simitis said that they aimed to bring Greek
Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots closer together and also bring Turkish
Cypriots closer to the EU. The Greek Premier and EU President stressed, in
concluding, that bilateral ties were "excellent" and that there was a "very
close and productive cooperation and identity on views" between Athens and
Nicosia as regards their common goal, namely the solution of the political
problem on the island.
On his turn, the Cyprus President, Mr Tassos Papadopoulos, expressed his
full agreement with what Mr Simitis had said. Replying to a question,
President Papadopoulos pointed out that Mr Denktash's argument on the
inability of the two communities to co-exist peacefully had been proven
wrong by the latest developments on the island. Furthermore, the President
pledged to work towards a solution that would respect human rights and
basic freedoms.
From the Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office (PIO) Server at http://www.pio.gov.cy/
|
