PRESS SUMS FROM ENGLISH-LANGUAGE AGENCIES AND PAPERS
NEWS
Tuesday, August 21
CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY
Overseas Cypriots reaffirm commitment to continue struggle for justice
Cypriots of the Diaspora reaffirmed once again their commitment to continue their struggle for justice for Cyprus and for the restoration of human rights and basic freedoms for all Cypriots. Addressing in Nicosia the opening ceremony of the four-day world conference of the Central Boards of PSEKA (International Coordinating Committee Justice for Cyprus) and POMAK (World Federation of Overseas Cypriots), as well as the World Conference of NEPOMAK (World Federation of Young Overseas Cypriots), the leaderships of overseas Cypriots called upon all Cypriots to continue their struggle for vindication. POMAK President Haris Sofoklides noted that POMAK and PSEKA have been working for the success of the Cypriot government’s efforts to change the pro-Turkish positions of the governments of Britain and the US. “We confronted efforts to upgrade the pseudostate in Turkish occupied Cyprus and we continue the struggle against the advertisements of the pseudostate for holidays in our hotels, which the Turkish troops have taken away from the Greek Cypriots, as well as against the selling of Greek Cypriot properties, which are occupied by Turkish troops. We also continue to unveil the Turkish propaganda and lies for the so-called isolation of the Turkish Cypriots”, he said. President of PSEKA Phillip Christofer expressed the view that “no solution and no plan can ever be acceptable, unless we are able to go back to the places we were born, unless the solution ensures the restoration of human rights for all Cypriots”. Addressing the conference, Archbishop Chrysostomos II called upon all Cypriots to unite in order to achieve a just, viable and functional solution of the Cyprus problem.
CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY
Government: Cypriots to choose their leader
Palmas has stressed that the people of Cyprus have the first and the last say as to who will be elected President, in February’s elections. His comments come in response to a report by a Brussels-based think tank, the International Crisis Group (ICG), which maintains that Papadopoulos is ''an obstacle'' to a solution of the Cyprus problem and he must therefore be ousted. ''The people of Cyprus have the first and the last word with regard to the election of the President of the Republic,'' Palmas stressed. “I wish and hope that the position this think tank has adopted is not interpreted as a government conspiracy plot,” Palmas said, pointing out that what the report suggests is the ICG stance towards Papadopoulos. The government is not making up conspiracy plots, he added, and recalled that earlier media reports had talked about conspiracies, orchestrated by foreign circles with local help, to remove Papadopoulos from power. “I hope this latest example is not regarded as a set up,” he said. Palmas said that much has been said at times on such matters and more is certain to follow, on conspiracies against Papadopoulos. “When this specific think tank is saying that Tassos Papadopoulos is an obstacle to a solution in Cyprus, this is not a scenario but a concrete position,” he added.
CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY
(Greek) Cypriot Foreign Ministry to grant all possible help to overseas Cypriots
The aim of the Foreign Ministry is to support POMAK and PSEKA by granting every possible assistance in implementing their pursuits, assured Erato Kozakou Markoullis, speaking before a gathering of overseas Cypriots in Nicosia. Addressing the delegates of the Central Councils of the World Federation of Overseas Cypriots (POMAK) and the International Coordinating Committee-Justice for Cyprus (PSEKA) who are meeting in Nicosia between 21-24 August, together with NEPOMAK (World Organisation for Young Cypriots) and the World Council of Hellenes Abroad (SAE), Markoullis stressed the role that overseas Cypriots play in the struggle for a just solution to the Cyprus issue, a solution which will “reunify our island, our people, society, economy and the state’s institutions”. She said the role of overseas Cypriots in this struggle “has been valuable and has led to creating access and promoting our positions both at the European and US arenas”. Markoullis pointed out that due to the contribution of overseas Cypriots, “Cyprus remains firm in its strategic pursuit, serving its national interest and responding to the wishes of our people, Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots, for peaceful co-habiting in our common homeland, without foreign intervention and interference”. She repeated that the Government remains committed to a Cypriot solution, which all the lawful residents of the island will embrace and which will comply with the principles of international law, the UN Security Council resolutions, the High Level Agreements and the fundamental principles of the EU”. The Foreign Ministry, said Markoullis, “is fully aware of the struggles undertaken by our overseas Cypriots to maintain and promote in their second homelands, our spiritual tradition and civilization. We are grateful to them because they pass on to the next generations the principles and values which derive from our long history, but also the language and the religion which are the cornerstone of the Hellenic diaspora”. Appreciating the role and contribution of overseas Cypriots, she said the Foreign Ministry has announced measures to promote the role of their organizations and “our intention is to continue on this direction”.
CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY
Papadopoulos:good will and sincere desire at meeting with Talat
Papadopoulos said here today he would go to his September meeting with Talat with good will and a sincere desire to find ways to implement what had been agreed a year ago between the two, under UN auspices. He also said that he remains committed to a bizonal bicommunal federal solution which will be viable and functional, as this term is defined by the UN and the European Union, warning that any diversion from such a solution would lead to adventures and deadlock. In his address to Cypriots living overseas, who gathered here for their meeting, Papadopoulos called for concerted action and collective effort in their moves to promote a just and lasting settlement that would reunite Cyprus. “The process envisaged by the July agreement of last year is still alive and offers optimistic prospects. I look forward to my upcoming meeting with the Turkish Cypriot leader Mr Talat on the afternoon of 5 September, to discuss practical ways to promote the implementation of the July 8th agreement, a year after it was signed,” he said. He noted that he could not prejudge the outcome of the meeting on the basis of the policy and the stance of the Turkish side so far but added: “The only thing I would like to say is that I will go to this meeting with all the good will and a sincere desire to find ways to implement what was agreed, in order to pave the way soon for substantive talks, on a new basis for a mutually acceptable solution in Cyprus.” He said that there was no other road towards a solution in Cyprus than peace talks and this has no room for experimentation, naive approaches, oversimplified positions or moves beyond the acceptable limits. The road to a solution, he continued, calls for “wisdom and responsibility, perseverance and boldness, faith and vision, in addition to courage to say no where you must and yes when necessary.” “The process of the July agreement was on course through our own initiative. This is not a minor process, it is one with substance, supported by the UN Secretariat, the five permanent members of the Security Council and the European Union. Promoting its full implementation will be a way out of the current disappointing stalemate, which would offer some hope,” he pointed out. Papadopoulos described the year ahead as “critical and decisive for Cyprus”, saying at times like this one has to handle the situation in a responsible and courageous manner, take wise and bold decision and have the ability to judge properly. “One wrong move or a wrong option would be fatal for Cyprus and Cypriot Hellenism,” he warned and welcomed the firm support by Greece in the efforts Cyprus is making to reunite the country. On the prospect for a solution, Papadopoulos said he is talking about a “compromise solution but not one that will divide the country.” “We are talking about a bizonal bicommunal federal solution, which will safeguard the human rights of all the legitimate inhabitants of our island, Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots; a settlement that will reunite the country,” he said, noting that “our objective has not been, nor is it to close the question of Cyprus, in any kind of settlement, for the sake of the time that elapses.” A solution can be found tomorrow, he said, if what the Turkish side demands is accepted and warned that in such a case, the time factor would be met but the people of Cyprus would be condemned. A federal solution, he stressed, was the only possible solution under the circumstances. “The non solution of the question of Cyprus is certainly not a solution. However, a bad arrangement is not a solution either. A good solution is difficult because of the Turkish intransigence but not impossible,” he said. Addressing overseas Cypriots, he thanked them for all they do for their country, saying this is recognized by everybody and noting that their strength lies in unity and collective action. “The weight you carry and the political clout you exert can influence foreign governments and policies on Cyprus. Collectively and in an organized manner, you can play a more significant and effective role,” he told them, reminding them also that they must put Cyprus over and above any party affiliations or personal views. Concluding, he said that the government has kept all its promises to them and that it had never asked them to function as a mouthpiece for Nicosia nor had it demanded applaud and agreement with everything the government did or said. “I would like to believe that we have had a production dialogue and excellent cooperation, united by common goals, a common vision to see justice in Cyprus,” he added.
CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY
House President: overseas Cypriots to focus on ending ‘occupation’
Christofias has called on Cypriots living abroad to focus their efforts on moves aimed at lifting what the Turkish Cypriots call isolation, attempts which have diverted attention from the continuing ‘occupation’ of part of Cyprus. In his address to the 15 World Congress of Cypriots overseas, he described them as “Cyprus’ best ambassadors”, saying that they are always ready to help out in the joint effort made by the government of the Republic and the Parliament. “As things stand at present in the question of Cyprus, we must focus our effort on tackling moves by foreign centres, which aim at changing the substance of the issue, from being a problem of invasion and occupation to one that has to do with ending the so-called isolation of the Turkish Cypriots,” Christofias said. He wished Papadopoulos success in his forthcoming meeting with Talat. “The lapse of time since the 1974 Turkish invasion and the absence of a solution must not lead us to compromise with the de facto division of the country, nor must we be led to a solution whose content and quality are in doubt,” he stressed. He said a bicommunal bizonal federation is, under the circumstances, the only way out to overcome the continuing ‘occupation,’ reunite Cyprus and restore and respect human rights and the fundamental freedoms. Christofias assured delegates to the four-day meeting that the House will continue to support them, through its competencies, in dealing with problems they may be facing. The House, he added, through “parliamentary diplomacy” was trying very hard to promote the question of Cyprus and in that it has always found support and solidarity from overseas Cypriots. “We have to multiply our efforts to solve the Cyprus problem and through joint moves, we have to examine what further steps need to be taken in the countries of your abode, especially Britain where most Cypriots live but we must not neglect the US or the EU,” he concluded.
CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY
Bicommunal political party meetings positive, says Slovak Ambassador
Meetings of Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot political parties may not have produced concrete results so far, but the fact that party leaders are able to come together is already a positive step, said Slovak Ambassador to Cyprus Anna Turenicova. In statements after meeting General Secretary of the Ecologists- Environmentalists Movement and member of the House of Representatives George Perdikis, Turenicova said the Slovak embassy here will continue to organise such meetings, as it has done for the past several years. “I was encouraged to do so by many of the leaders of the political parties I had the opportunity to meet so far,” the new Slovak Ambassador said. She added that Slovakia is an honest broker and does not “have any special interests, we don't have any side intentions, we are just offering our good services, we offer our time, our experience and just want to create a space, a platform for the leaders of the political parties to come together and to discuss the issues they agree on.” “One might say that so far they (the leaders) have not seen any concrete result of these meetings. Well, it's up to the leaders of the political parties but according to my opinion even the fact that they are able to come together, that they are able to sit at one table is already a positive step,” she pointed out. The Ambassador also said that “there are many good ideas, many good suggestions and proposals and maybe one of them will be agreed by all the leaders and they will come one little step forward.” In his remarks to the press, Perdikis said that the two examined ways to revive the meetings, adding that he handed to Turenicova the proposals which his movement had submitted during previous meetings of the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot parties, such as the demilitirisation of Nicosia. Perdikis stressed the need that these meetings produce results, adding that they have degenerated to social meetings. The next meeting of the leaders or representatives of Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot parties is scheduled for 19 September.
CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY
(South) Cyprus to file a protest at UN
(South) Cyprus is to make strong demarches to the UN over Turkish moves in the village of Pyla, with regard to the supply of electricity in the area. (Greek Cypriot) Foreign Minister Erato Kozakou-Marcoullis said she had given instructions to Cyprus Permanent Representation in New York to make strong representations to the UN about the situation in the village of Pyla. A press report by Greek-Cypriot daily “Phileleftheros” said today that the Turkish Cypriot regime is trying to create a new status quo in Pyla by intercepting electricity by the Cyprus Electricity Authority and by threatening Greek Cypriots who live in the community. A UN officer, to whom Greek Cypriot Pyla residents had complained, is said to have asked them not to approach as specific location because the Turkish army had warned it would fire against anybody, the report said. “We have made repeated representations here, both through the Diplomatic Office of the President of the Republic and the Foreign Ministry,” Marcoullis said. She added that she had given instructions to Cyprus’ Permanent Representation to the UN to make strong representations at the highest possible level to the UN. “This is a very serious issue, which we follow very closely. The Turkish threats not only against the people of Pyla but also against members of UNFICYP, serving here. These are serious problems which we must tackle with the necessary gravity,” she added.
CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY
FM dismisses Turkish claims
Marcoullis has called on Turkey to withdraw its ‘occupation’ troops from the island and stop chasing ghosts. The Minister’s remarks come in the wake of Turkish claims that Greece had supplied the National Guard, the Republic’s armed forces, with US-made weapons and military hardware. “This is a myth and has no spec of truth nor is it serious,” Marcoullis said. Turkey, she pointed out, “and in particular the Turkish army, instead of trying to find ways to withdraw its occupation troops from Cyprus immediately, as UN resolutions stipulate, it is dealing with ghosts,” she added. Turkish media had reported that Cyprus has acquired US weaponry through Greece, which is a NATO member.
CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY
Papadopoulos-Talat meeting to help implement July agreement, says Palmas
The aim of the Greek Cypriot side is to create preconditions that would help implement a UN-brokered agreement in July last year, with a view to make positive steps towards progress for a settlement, Palmas said. On a meeting in early September between Papadopoulos and Talat, Palmas had this to say: “we must not raise expectations; these should be limited and the tone of the meeting low.” “What we are aiming at is to create preconditions and the right climate to implement the July agreement, which was brokered between the UN and the leaders of the two communities,” Palmas added. The government, he went on to add, believes that positive steps can be taken within the context of this agreement which, he pointed out, is the only agreement before the two communities at present, following the rejection of a UN-proposed solution plan in April 2004. Responding to questions about strict deadlines and arbitration, relating to negotiations for a settlement in Cyprus, he said if the Turkish Cypriot side adopts a positive approach, this should be proven in practice. Palmas said the Greek Cypriot side was the first to raise the issue of talks without arbitration and tight timetables, noting that if Talat appreciates and understands that “these should not return, then this is positive”. He Spokesman said that the basis of the negotiations has been set and efforts towards a solution should be made within this framework of a bizonal, bicommunal federal solution. The July agreement, he noted, contains many elements which could help make headway towards an overall settlement of the Cyprus issue. “Our position is crystal clear. We begin on the basis of a bizonal, bicommunal federation,” he stressed. As far as the Annan plan is concerned, Palmas said that it belonged to the past, adding “the Annan Plan, as it is, was rejected by the Cypriot people and the verdict of the people of Cyprus should be respected and being the political leadership, the government has a duty to align ourselves with this position”. On the prospects for a successful meeting between Papadopoulos and Talat, he recommended that “we should maintain a down to earth approach, taking always into consideration the past as far as various meetings are concerned.” He also noted that Papadopoulos had never refused a meeting with Talat or said that meetings with him are not useful. “What the President had said is that these meetings should have a specific agenda and specific purpose if there is a chance to achieve something at a practical level through such meetings. The purpose of the exercise should not be to merely have a meeting for the sake of having one or for public relations purposes,” he explained.
CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY
(South) Cyprus FM and Russian official discuss Cyprus question
The Cyprus question, relations between Russia and Cyprus and between Russia and the European Union as well as other international issues were discussed during a meeting Tuesday between Marcoullis and Russia’s Permanent Representative to the EU Vladimir Chizov. Commenting on developments in the Cyprus question, Chizov expressed his interest in Cyprus but refrained from any comment, noting his current post does not entitle him to make any remarks on such matters. “Any developments in the Cyprus question will have a particular significance for the fate of this country, but also for the general situation in this part of the world,” he added. Asked about oil exploration in Cyprus’ exclusive economic zone, Chizov said that although he has no competency on this issue he is aware of the latest developments. He said that this issue has a political, economic and technological aspect, noting that it is not easy to carry out search at sea area around Cyprus and particularly to exploit undersea deposits as the sea is quite deep. “But there are companies, including Russian ones, with the potential to do just that,” he added. Chizov said he discussed with Marcoullis a broad spectrum of issues relating Russia-Cyprus relations, not only the bilateral ties but also Russia’s links with Cyprus as an EU member. He said Marcoullis briefed him on developments in the question of Cyprus. “We always see the Republic of Cyprus as a friend of Russia, within the EU and outside the Union. That is why it was a very interesting discussion and we shall continue these contacts,” he added. Marcoullis said that they had a very warm and interesting meeting and described Chizov as a friend of Cyprus. “We had a very interesting discussion, a very friendly talk on many issues of mutual interest,” she noted and added that they discussed about the latest developments in the Cyprus question, issues concerning relations between Russia and the EU and also other international matters in a very friendly and constructive climate “which confirms once again the excellent relations between out two countries and out two peoples.”
CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY
FIFA, UEFA and CFA to discuss status of Turkish Cypriot football clubs
The status of Turkish Cypriot football clubs will be discussed during a meeting on September 20 in Zurich, between the International Federation of Football Associations (FIFA), the European Union of Football Associations (UEFA), the Cyprus Football Association (CFA) and the Turkish Cypriots. UEFA Vice President and honourary CFA President Marios Lefkaritis told CNA that the aim of the meeting ''is to examine the status of the Turkish Cypriots and how we at CFA can help the Turkish Cypriots have more opportunities to play football.'' He pointed out that ''the only football federation in Cyprus is CFA and no other federation will be recognised.'' Replying to questions, Lefkaritis said the meeting's agenda was open, noting however that no decision can be taken ''if CFA does not agree.'' Lefkaritis said CFA has never prevented the Turkish Cypriots playing football but reminded them that ''if you want to play football on an international basis, then you must join CFA.'' ''CFA's principle is to accept the membership of Turkish Cypriot clubs, as long as they apply and pass through all legal procedures. CFA has never refused to register a Turkish Cypriot club,'' he concluded.
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesman
Question Taken at Daily Press Briefing of August 20, 2007
Question: The Republic of Cyprus has recently announced a partnership to obtain oil and gas exploration licenses in the Mediterranean Sea. What is the United States’ position on Cyprus’ request for bids? Is a US-based company among the bidders? Does the US company need to consult with the U.S. government before submitting its bid?
Answer: The Republic of Cyprus (ROC) has announced the results of bids to obtain oil and gas exploration licenses in Cyprus' exclusive economic zone. An American firm is among the bidders. The ROC is a sovereign nation with the right to request bids for oil exploration within its own economic zone. The involvement of U.S. firms in such investment is a business decision.
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