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Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 03-11-11
From: The Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office Server at <http://www.pio.gov.cy/>
[01]Tuesday, 11 November 2003 Cyprus-Moldova sign cooperation agreements
[02] Cyprus High Commissioner to Zimbabwe presents credentials
[03] Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemns the terrorist attacks in Saudi
Arabia
[04] Statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the death of
Lieutenant General Dewan Prem Chand
[01] Cyprus-Moldova sign cooperation agreements
Cyprus and Moldova signed yesterday cooperation agreements between their
respective ministries of Foreign Affairs and Finance.
The bilateral agreements were signed after official talks between
delegations from both countries, headed by the President of the Republic,
Mr Tassos Papadopoulos, and the President of Moldova, Mr Vladimir Voronin,
who arrived yesterday to the island for a two-day official visit. Speaking
to the press following the meeting of the two delegations, President
Papadopoulos said he had discussed with Mr Voronin the political problems
each country was faced with, exchanged experiences on ways to cope with the
difficulties ensuing from those problems, and discussed issues pertaining
to the European Union and in particular Moldova's choice to acquire the
status of candidate country for accession to the Union. "We talked about
our experience of the negotiation process and assured him [the President of
Moldova] that Cyprus, as a full EU member state, will follow the Union
policy of 'good new neighbours', as it is called, and will give all support
possible to Moldova's ambitions", Mr Papadopoulos noted. He further said
that existing bilateral agreements, the new ones signed at the meeting and
three additional agreements under negotiation on the avoidance of double
taxation, protection of investment and the legal framework of commercial
relations were also discussed. President Voronin described his meeting with
the Cyprus delegation as "very useful and significant", noting that the
successes achieved by Cyprus in the field of socio-economic development
were setting an example for Moldova's economic progress. He also referred
to the possibilities for promoting bilateral cooperation on trade and
investments. Mr Voronin said he was the first President of the Republic of
Moldova to visit Cyprus and extended an official invitation to President
Papadopoulos to visit Moldova in the near future.
Furthermore, President Papadopoulos hosted a dinner yesterday in honour of
Mr Voronin and his delegation. In a short speech at the dinner, Mr
Papadopoulos said Cyprus and Moldova already shared strong ties of
friendship and cooperation and were determined to enhance them further.
Noting that Moldova would soon be one of the new Eastern neighbours of the
European Union, to which Cyprus would formally accede as a full member on 1
May 2004, he noted, "Cyprus will work in a positive and constructive manner
with a view to shaping a more stable and meaningful relationship of the EU
with its Eastern European neighbours, based on shared political and
economic values and on the respect of the principles of territorial
integrity, sovereignty and single international personality". Referring to
the Cyprus problem, President Papadopoulos reiterated the Greek Cypriot
side' determination to work for a negotiated settlement on the basis of the
UN Secretary-General's peace plan. "It is in fact in our benefit to pursue
a more functional and thus viable solution to the Cyprus problem, before 1
May 2004, which will bring about the reunification of our country. If this
proves not to be possible, we will definitely not be discouraged or give up
but, on the contrary, we will persevere and we will redouble our efforts
for the solution of the Cyprus problem and for the reunification of our
country and its people", Mr Papadopoulos concluded. On his part, Mr Voronin
expressed his gratitude to President Papadopoulos for the invitation to
visit Cyprus and noted that "despite the considerable distance that divides
our countries, there is a surprising amount of things we have in common".
He further said he was confident that the meetings held during his visit
would "greatly contribute to the identification of new and efficient ways
to enhance the cooperation between Moldova and Cyprus on mutually
advantageous bases". Mr Voronin concludes his visit to the island
today.
[02] Cyprus High Commissioner to Zimbabwe presents credentials
Mr Costas Leontiou presented his credentials last Thursday to the President
of Zimbabwe, Mr Robert Mugabe, as the High Commissioner of the Republic of
Cyprus to that country. After the official ceremony Mr Leontiou briefed
President Mugabe on the latest developments regarding efforts to resolve
the Cyprus problem. Mr Costas Leontiou is the Republic's High Commissioner
to South Africa and he is also accredited to, inter alia, Namibia,
Mozambique, Mauritius and Madagascar.
[03] Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemns the terrorist attacks in Saudi
Arabia
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Cyprus strongly condemns the terrorist
attack in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, which led to the loss of innocent human
lives. The Government and the people of Cyprus would like to convey their
deep sympathy and condolences to the Government and the people of Saudi
Arabia and to the bereaved families of the victims. This horrible act that
shocked the entire international community is another tangible proof that
terrorism targets innocent lives irrespective of nationality, race or
religion. It shows that no country in the world is safe from the malicious
plans of terrorist networks. The Cyprus Government reaffirms its commitment
to join with the rest of the international community in the fight against
the menace of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.
[04] Statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the death of
Lieutenant General Dewan Prem Chand
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Cyprus would like to express its most
sincere condolences to the family of Lieutenant General Dewan Prem Chand,
to the Indian people, and to the Secretary General of UN for the loss of a
legendary peacemaker, who devoted his life to global peacemaking and
conflict prevention.
Lieutenant General Dewan Prem Chand, who passed away on 03 November 2003,
worked to restore peace and normalcy in some of Africa's most troubled
regions, such as Congo, Zimbabwe and Namibia. Appointed as Commander of the
UN Peace Keeping Force in Cyprus in 1969, Lieutenant General Dewan Prem
Chand and his force of 3 000 blue berets were stationed on the island
during the Turkish invasion of 1974, and experienced its tragic consequences
on the people of Cyprus. Faithful to the cause of peacekeeping, he
continued to work for peace on Cyprus in the most adverse circumstances.
The people of Cyprus will remember and honour Lieutenant General Dewan Prem
Chand for his efforts to bring peace in Cyprus, a cause that is yet to be
fulfilled.
From the Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office (PIO) Server at http://www.pio.gov.cy/
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