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Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 04-02-02
From: The Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office Server at <http://www.pio.gov.cy/>
[01]Monday, 02 February 2004 UN Chief still undecided over resumption of
peace talks, says President
[02] Foreign Ministry expresses disappointment at recent escalation of
violence in the Middle East
[01] UN Chief still undecided over resumption of peace talks, says
President
The President of the Republic, Mr Tassos Papadopoulos, has said that the UN
Secretary-General had not yet decided whether or not to call for a new
round of talks for a solution of the Cyprus problem. Speaking last Friday
upon his return from visits to Strasbourg and Brussels, the President noted
that Mr Kofi Annan considered that he had not received assurances which
justified his conditions for re-engaging in a new round of negotiations.
Replying to a question concerning the US involvement in the efforts for a
settlement, Mr Papadopoulos said the interest of the US and other countries
in a solution of the Cyprus issue was a fact, noting that the Americans,
through their Special Coordinator Mr Thomas Weston, were continually
involved in the talks. "It is their desire to see a solution of the Cyprus
problem, and surely they encourage and advise the two sides to move forward
so that they can resolve their problems on their own and solve the Cyprus
problem before 1 May, something that we want and pursue as well; and this
is the role that they themselves have accepted", he added.
At the same time, Mr Papadopoulos recalled the statements by US Secretary
of State Mr Colin Powell that he would not be a negotiator or a facilitator,
or have a direct involvement in the talks. He added that neither the UN
Secretary-General nor the European Union would like such a thing and that
Mr Powell himself was not pursuing such a role.
[02] Foreign Ministry expresses disappointment at recent escalation of
violence in the Middle East
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus expresses its
disappointment at the recent escalation of violence in the Middle East. The
Ministry of Foreign Affairs extends its sincere condolences to the families
of the victims and expresses the hope for the speedy recovery of those
injured during the attacks. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterates,
once more, its strong condemnation of suicide bombings and other terrorist
activities. At the same time, it urges Israel to exercise maximum restraint
by avoiding incursions into the Palestinian territories, extrajudicial
killings and destruction of property.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs calls upon both parties to do everything
possible to ensure an end to violence, return to the negotiating table and
engage seriously in negotiations for the implementation of the Road Map and
the achievement of a comprehensive political settlement.
From the Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office (PIO) Server at http://www.pio.gov.cy/
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