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Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 03-12-08
From: The Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office Server at <http://www.pio.gov.cy/>
[01]Monday, 08 December 2003 President Papadopoulos' contacts in Nigeria
[02] Cyprus' new Ambassador to the US presents his credentials to President
Bush
[01] President Papadopoulos' contacts in Nigeria
The President of the Republic Mr Tassos Papadopoulos, who is currently
attending the 2003 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Nigeria, had
discussions on Saturday, on the sidelines of the Meeting, with the
President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria Mr Olusegun Obasanjo, at the
latter's invitation. The discussions focused on Commonwealth issues,
bilateral relations and the Cyprus problem. President Papadopoulos briefed
President Obasanjo on the latest developments in the Cyprus problem and on
European Union issues. The two men also exchanged views on issues of
technical cooperation between Cyprus and Nigeria in various fields. Mr
Papadopoulos pointed out that Cyprus could provide technical aid to Nigeria
in the sectors of agriculture, forestry, animal breeding and tourism.
The Commonwealth Heads' of Government informal meeting, held on Saturday
afternoon, dealt with technical cooperation issues between the Commonwealth
member-states, the policy of the Commonwealth in relation to democracy and
economic development and business activity between organisations and member-
states of the Commonwealth. On Sunday, President Papadopoulos had a meeting
with New Zealand/s Prime Minister Mrs Helen Elizabeth Clark, who had
expressed an interest to meet with the Cyprus President since Cyprus is
joining the EU and New Zealand wishes to have good relations with all EU
countries for trade exchange and tourism purposes.
Mrs Clark showed special interest in the political problem and the
prospects for its solution. She also wanted to be briefed on the situation
regarding the easing of restrictions on free movement in Cyprus. President
Papadopoulos noted that the Greek Cypriot side had never imposed restrictions
on the freedom of movement, and that it firmly supports cooperation between
the two communities. He pointed out that many Turkish Cypriots, despite the
obstacles imposed by the Turkish Cypriot leader Mr Denktash, work in the
Government-controlled areas of Cyprus. Mrs Clark said she was aware of the
serious reaction by Turkish Cypriots and their protests against the illegal
regime. Referring to the problems created due to the negative stance of
Turkey and Mr Denktash, the President stressed that the Greek Cypriot side
is ready for negotiations on the basis of the Annan plan and within its
framework, with a view of reaching a solution before 1 May 2004.
Mr Papadopoulos and Mrs Clark also exchanged views on the completion of an
agreement between Cyprus and New Zealand in the field of Social Insurance
and on visa arrangements regarding New Zealanders visiting EU countries.
[02] Cyprus' new Ambassador to the US presents his credentials to President
Bush
Cyprus' new Ambassador to Washington, Mr Euripides L. Evriviades presented
his credentials on Thursday to the President of the United States of
America Mr George Bush. Presenting his credentials, Ambassador Evriviades
said that Cyprus has consistently contributed to the efforts of the US to
fight terrorism and continues to stand in solidarity with the US following
the cold-hearted attacks of September 11, 2001.
Referring to the Cyprus problem, the new Ambassador underlined that the
search for a negotiated settlement in Cyprus, based on the UN Secretary-
General's plan, remains top priority for the Cyprus Government. A
comprehensive, just and functional solution, based on the relevant UN
Security Council resolutions, the rule of law and the Acquis Communautaire,
can and should be found before Cyprus accedes to the European Union, he
added. Mr Evriviades also stressed the significance of Cyprus' accession to
the EU noting that it creates new prospects for cooperation with an
enormous potential to further enhance bilateral and multilateral relations.
Cyprus' position at the crossroads of three continents allows it to play a
more significant role in the wider region as a result of its membership in
the EU, he added. In his address the US President reconfirmed the firm
position of the United States that it is important to achieve a just and
lasting settlement of the Cyprus problem because it would benefit both
sides in Cyprus and the region. He noted that there is now a real window of
opportunity to reach a settlement before Cyprus joins the EU, which must
not be lost. Stressing that his country would remain strongly engaged in
the efforts to find a solution to the Cyprus problem, President Bush
underlined that it would be up to the leaders on the island, with the
support of the international community, to reach a final solution.
President Bush expressed the view that the solution plan proposed by the UN
Secretary-General Mr Kofi Annan was the best and only way forward to a
comprehensive viable settlement, noting that significant progress had been
made until March 2003 towards finalising the plan, largely thanks to the
efforts of the Cyprus Government. Concluding, the US President expressed
the hope that all parties would express the political will as required by
the UN Secretary-General and return to negotiations based on the Annan Plan
very soon.
From the Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office (PIO) Server at http://www.pio.gov.cy/
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