''''Mi sono parse molto efficaci e
condivisibili le cose dette oggi a Milano da Silvio Berlusconi. In
particolare, mi pare convincente il fatto che, nella campagna
elettorale che si e'' appena aperta, non vi sia spazio per posizioni in
mezzo al guado e per avventure terzopoliste, che sono destinate ad
essere largamente ignorate dagli elettori. Siamo finalmente ad una
campagna ''americana'' e bipartitica, di fatto, il che rappresenta,
secondo me, un fatto di grande positivita'', e di portata storica per
la politica italiana''''. E'' quanto afferma il promotore di
Decidere.net, Daniele Capezzone.
''''Per quanto mi riguarda, confermo il mio sostegno e la mia
convinta adesione al progetto del Popolo della liberta'', che puo''
ridare una grande speranza non solo a chi gia'' faceva parte della Cdl,
ma anche -sottolinea- a tanti altri liberali, innovatori, riformatori,
che attendevano di poter contribuire ad un progetto politico di
respiro. La buona notizia e'' che ora quel progetto c''e''''''.
2.09.2008
2.08.2008
Deve essere ricominciato Markette, Anzi marchette
PD: CAPEZZONE, ACCUSA ''MAQUILLAGE'' E'' AUTOBIOGRAFICA
(ANSA) - ROMA, 8 FEB - ''''Stupisce che Walter Veltroni si
esprima in modo cosi'' inopportuno sul Popolo della Liberta'',
tentando di derubricarlo a ''''maquillage'''' politico. Un
osservatore ironico potrebbe dire che la battuta di Veltroni e''
forse autobiografica, considerando le mille trasformazioni dei
postcomunisti in tutti questi anni (Pci, Pds, Ds, Cosa due,
Ulivo, Pd...)'''': lo afferma Daniele Capezzone.
''''Mi pare che quella del segretario PD sia una gaffe che mi
auguro possa presto superare e archiviare. Il Popolo delle
Liberta'' e'' un progetto nuovo, in grado di parlare anche a
delusi del centrosinistra come me, ad esempio, cioe'' a liberali
che hanno cercato di lavorare con l''Unione e hanno dovuto
constatare che non era possibile (di qui, le mie dimissioni,
alcuni mesi fa, dalla presidenza della Commissione attivita''
produttive della Camera). Ecco perche'' tanti, come me, si
impegneranno - conclude - con il progetto lanciato da
Berlusconi''''.
(ANSA) - ROMA, 8 FEB - ''''Stupisce che Walter Veltroni si
esprima in modo cosi'' inopportuno sul Popolo della Liberta'',
tentando di derubricarlo a ''''maquillage'''' politico. Un
osservatore ironico potrebbe dire che la battuta di Veltroni e''
forse autobiografica, considerando le mille trasformazioni dei
postcomunisti in tutti questi anni (Pci, Pds, Ds, Cosa due,
Ulivo, Pd...)'''': lo afferma Daniele Capezzone.
''''Mi pare che quella del segretario PD sia una gaffe che mi
auguro possa presto superare e archiviare. Il Popolo delle
Liberta'' e'' un progetto nuovo, in grado di parlare anche a
delusi del centrosinistra come me, ad esempio, cioe'' a liberali
che hanno cercato di lavorare con l''Unione e hanno dovuto
constatare che non era possibile (di qui, le mie dimissioni,
alcuni mesi fa, dalla presidenza della Commissione attivita''
produttive della Camera). Ecco perche'' tanti, come me, si
impegneranno - conclude - con il progetto lanciato da
Berlusconi''''.
Dice Capezzone: "Per quanto mi riguarda, confermo l'intenzione di dare anch'io una mano, di impegnarmi a fondo in questo progetto del Popolo della Liberta', che mi auguro possa aggregare -oltre alle sigle storicamente fondatrici della Cdl- molti liberali, molti riformatori, molti innovatori, che avevano finora compiuto scelte diverse."
Figuriamoci se in Italia c'è un eletto che è disposto a rimanere fuori da un evento storico. Il problema è se c'è un italiano accorto che è disposto a credere a questo tipo di stronzate.
Figuriamoci se in Italia c'è un eletto che è disposto a rimanere fuori da un evento storico. Il problema è se c'è un italiano accorto che è disposto a credere a questo tipo di stronzate.
Lots of News from Cyprus
CYPRUS MAIL
Tassos maintains slender poll lead
Papadopoulos has slight lead over his main rivals in the presidential race, according to a poll released last night. Papadopoulos is ahead with 31 percent while Christofias is a close second with 30.5 percent. Kasoulides is third with 27.5 percent. According to the poll prepared for state television CyBC, Papadopoulos is expected to win comfortably – 47.5 percent – should there be a runoff vote with Kasoulides. Christofias would be the winner in a runoff against Papadopoulos with 41 percent compared to 40 percent.
CYPRUS MAIL
Lillikas accuses DISY of ‘bringing foreigners to tell us what to do’
Spokesman for Papadopoulos, Lillikas, yesterday threw broad-sides at DISY for “bringing foreigners to tell Cypriots what to do” referring to the two-day conference of the European People’s Party on EU Mediterranean Policy. In response, DISY officials accused Lillikas of “xenophobia.”
TODAY’S ZAMAN
Sejdiu: Kosovo can’t be Cyprus precedent
Kosovar President Fatmir Sejdiu has countered suggestions that Kosovo’s impending declaration of independence will constitute a precedent in international relations, including for the situation of the divided island of Cyprus. Sejdiu, speaking in an interview with Today’s Zaman following his talks in Ankara with Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoðan on Wednesday, first of all noted that whether Kosovo’s declaration of independence could set a precedent as suggested by many didn’t come up during the meeting with Erdoðan. “Kosovo is a unique issue. It cannot set a precedent for another region or country,” Sejdiu said... Earlier this week, Slovenian Foreign Minister Dimitrij Rupel, whose country holds the EU’s rotating six-month presidency, told his hosts in Tbilisi that Kosovo is a “unique case” which must not be viewed as a precedent in solving other similar crises around the world. “The European Union has many times pointed to Kosovo as a unique case, and it should not be viewed as precedent,” Rupel said then. The province has been run by the UN and NATO since the 1999 war in Kosovo, when NATO bombed Serbia for 78 days to stop its crackdown against the province’s Albanian separatists.
Thursday, February 7
REUTERS
Turk Cypriots warily eye Greek poll
Turkish Cypriots are anxiously awaiting the outcome of an election this month in the Greek Cypriot south that could cement partition of the Mediterranean island they share and wreck Turkey's ties with Europe. Papadopoulos, who led Greek Cypriots into rejection of a U.N.-backed Cyprus reunification plan in 2004, is seeking re-election in the February 17 poll but a strong challenge from two rivals is likely to force a second round on February 24. Victory for the hawkish Papadopoulos, who enjoys a small lead in opinion polls, would dash Turkish Cypriot hopes of a swift end to their international isolation and hobble Turkey's efforts to revive its stalled European Union entry bid. "The Greek Cypriot elections are very important for us... We don't have much time, our peoples are becoming more estranged by the day," Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat told Reuters at his residence in Nicosia, Europe's last divided capital. Talat, whose community supported the 2004 U.N. peace plan, declined to comment on the candidates contesting the Greek Cypriot presidency, but said a fresh peace drive was essential. "The status quo is not sustainable or fair because ... we are isolated. This election is really the last chance (for change)."... A Western diplomat based in Greek Nicosia said it was vital that all parties committed after the elections to a new U.N.-led peace process or face "a drift towards permanent partition". "We cannot allow this problem to fester ... Cypriot voters perhaps don't realize how stark the options are," he said... The Cyprus dispute is already hampering closer cooperation between the EU and NATO in conflict zones from Kosovo to Afghanistan. Turkey is a NATO member but Cyprus is not. This week, in a blow to EU unity, the Greek Cypriot government prevented the 27-nation bloc from forging a common position on Kosovo's independence. Cyprus fears Kosovo -- whose independence is strongly opposed by Serbia of which the mainly ethnic Albanian province is still a part -- would create a precedent for recognition of the TRNC, despite EU assurances that Kosovo is a unique case. Brushing aside suggestions Kosovo might be a model for the TRNC, Talat said Turkish Cypriots still favor reunification along the lines of past U.N. peace plans, involving a loose federal government and wide autonomy for the two communities. "Realistically, we can solve this problem in less than one year. There is already a huge body of work on what needs to be done ... It is possible with good will and good faith," he said.... But seasoned Cyprus observers are not optimistic. They say inter-communal contacts have fallen since the Greek Cypriots rejected the 2004 peace plan. Trade is static. Cooperation on issues ranging from crime-fighting to conservation founders on the Greek refusal to accept the legitimacy of the Turkish side. "The two sides have become more entrenched. There are big psychological barriers," said Hasan Kutlu Ince, head of the Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Commerce. The Greek Cypriots' blocking of EU efforts to end a trade embargo against the TRNC has eroded Turkish Cypriot support for the EU. Greek Cypriots fear allowing the TRNC to trade freely with the EU could lead to de facto recognition of the enclave. Some say the TRNC's isolation is already starting to crack. Last week, to Greek Cypriot fury, former German chancellor Gerhard Schroeder led a delegation of German businessmen to northern Cyprus. Talat has held talks -- unthinkable a few years ago -- with EU foreign ministers and U.S. secretaries of state. Several foreign companies including Australian franchise Gloria Jean's Coffees now operate in northern Cyprus. Syria has opened a regular ferry link to the TRNC. "I do not see how the two communities, with all the hang-ups they have about their relationship, can ever agree to come back together in one state to run their affairs," said Ayla Gurel, an analyst at the International Peace Research Institute Oslo. "(Another Papadopoulos win) might lead the international community to think the previously unthinkable -- partition."
UN NEWS CENTER
Top UN envoy reiterates support for Cyprus settlement
The top United Nations official in Cyprus today voiced the world body’s support for a settlement on the Mediterranean island. Speaking at a medal parade for the UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP), the Secretary-General’s Special Envoy Michael Møller said that “rather than launching a new initiative on its own, the UN will support good faith efforts on the part of both sides to restart talks and work for a solution.” t has been 44 years since the mission was established, and he said that it is often legitimately asked what more UNFICYP can do after operating for decades in Cyprus and whether the leaders of the Greek and Turkish Cypriot communities have the political will necessary to reach a solution. Ultimately, the “key to a settlement” lies not with the UN, but with the Cypriots themselves, stressed Mr. Møller, who also serves as head of UNFICYP. “This year may indeed prove crucial for a solution, but we have seen expectations raised many times before,” he noted. “The time has come for serious negotiations. The window of opportunity we have this year will not remain open forever.” Last December, the Security Council voted unanimously to extend UNFICYP’s mandate for six months, emphasizing that “time is not on the side of a settlement, and that negotiations to reunify the island have been at an impasse for too long.” Expressing its full support for the July 2006 agreement – which set out the necessary framework for a political process designed to lead to the resumption of full-fledged negotiations – the Council voiced deep concern over the “lack of any progress.”
CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY
Christofias: I will take initiatives to solve the Cyprus problem
Christofias will, if elected, undertake initiatives to press with the need for a political settlement. The leader of the leftwing AKEL party said he will take his international campaign to the UN Secretary-General, the Security Council's five permanent members and the European Commission to whom he will declare his readiness to work for a solution on the basis of UN resolutions, the High Level Agreements between the Greek Cypriot and the Turkish Cypriot communities and the international and European law. ''Either personally or through my envoys, I will call on them and I will be very persistent. My credentials will be those of a man who wants a solution. Our credibility in Europe, with regard to a political settlement, is at its lowest and we have to rectify that,'' Christofias has told CNA in an interview. On his links with the Turkish Cypriots, he said he will work very hard to convince them that it is in their interests as well to settle all aspects of the political problem in a way that will serve the country’s interests and not those of Turkey or others. The AKEL General Secretary said his government, if elected, will comprise “progressive personalities” from a wide spectrum and he appeared ready to talk to the rightwing Democratic Rally party, without however preempting the outcome of such a discussion. Responding to questions, Christofias said while sharing power with the government of Papadooulos he addressed himself to Russia, China and the Arab world to help Cyprus’ cause for justice and appeared disappointed that now his former coalition partner is very critical of him on various counts. The main focus of Christofias’ campaign is the Cyprus problem and in response to questions, he expressed the view that “things are going from bad to worse” and believes that division is at our doorstep. “Now I am risking everything because I believe that we can make a last-ditch effort, having regained our credibility at home and at abroad, to avert permanent partition,” he pointed out. Asked where he would address himself seeking support for a solution, he referred to the Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC), which he describes as ''a time-delay bomb for Cyprus,'' especially after an OIC resolution which talks about a ''Turkish Cypriot state.” ''If Turkey is seeking diplomatic recognition of the illegal regime, it will start from the OIC. So I will address our friends at the OIC and ask them to support the principles of international law, UN resolutions'' he explained. Replying to questions, he said he would undertake an initiative to break the current deadlock and push for the implementation of a UN-brokered agreement in July 2006. In Christofias' view, Turkey is unwilling to implement the agreement since it does not want to engage in in-depth discussions ''because some countries, including EU member states, have promised to upgrade the occupation regime through an end of the so-called isolation of the Turkish Cypriots.''“The July agreement, which provides for the establishment of technical groups and working committees to deal with all aspects of the problem is a tool which we can apply during our initiatives,” he added. He believes that Turkey before 2009, when the EU Commission will issue a new assessment on Ankara’s European bid, will instruct Talat to proceed with the implementation of the agreement. Christofias said that the current stalemate is due to the stance of the Turkish side and believes that “this situation serves only Turkey’s interests.” The House President told CNA that no one can set a timeframe for the solution of the problem because the solution is not solely up to the Greek Cypriot side. Regarding his relations with the Turkish Cypriots, Christofias said that his candidacy on this point ''clearly supersedes'' that of his rivals. ''I come from a political party which has never promoted nationalism or chauvinism. My party has been a common springboard with the Turkish Cypriots to gain human, social and economic rights.” AKEL, he noted, has also been a “messenger of peaceful coexistence between the two communities and a forum which teaches the spirit of cooperation with the Turkish Cypriots.” He believes that the worst mistake made by the Greek Cypriots since independence in 1960 was that they never tried to win the trust of the Turkish Cypriots. ''If we could do that, I think that the hands of Turkish imperialism would be tied,'' he observed. Referring to AKEL's contacts with the Republican Turkish Party (CTP), Christofias said that after the 2004 referendum, despite the fact that the Turkish Cypriot party did not respond to AKEL's calls for a dialogue, AKEL continued its efforts with a view to explain the Greek Cypriot concerns. ''It is impossible to accept a solution granting the right of intervention to the guarantor powers or a solution not uniting the state and its people under a federal bi-communal umbrella, nor can we accept military presence on the island. The solution cannot be viable unless the refugees are given the right to choose whether they want to return or not to their homes under Turkish Cypriot administration. Turkish settlers cannot be turned into citizens of the Republic,'' Christofias said. On the prospects of discussions with the right-wing DISY party, should he go through to the second round of elections, Christofias said he would talk to DISY and the parties backing the President, if their candidates fail to pass to the run-off election. ''If DISY President says 'let's talk', I wouldn't say no, just as I wouldn't say no to DIKO or EDEK. But of course I cannot predict the outcome of these talks,'' he concluded.
Tassos maintains slender poll lead
Papadopoulos has slight lead over his main rivals in the presidential race, according to a poll released last night. Papadopoulos is ahead with 31 percent while Christofias is a close second with 30.5 percent. Kasoulides is third with 27.5 percent. According to the poll prepared for state television CyBC, Papadopoulos is expected to win comfortably – 47.5 percent – should there be a runoff vote with Kasoulides. Christofias would be the winner in a runoff against Papadopoulos with 41 percent compared to 40 percent.
CYPRUS MAIL
Lillikas accuses DISY of ‘bringing foreigners to tell us what to do’
Spokesman for Papadopoulos, Lillikas, yesterday threw broad-sides at DISY for “bringing foreigners to tell Cypriots what to do” referring to the two-day conference of the European People’s Party on EU Mediterranean Policy. In response, DISY officials accused Lillikas of “xenophobia.”
TODAY’S ZAMAN
Sejdiu: Kosovo can’t be Cyprus precedent
Kosovar President Fatmir Sejdiu has countered suggestions that Kosovo’s impending declaration of independence will constitute a precedent in international relations, including for the situation of the divided island of Cyprus. Sejdiu, speaking in an interview with Today’s Zaman following his talks in Ankara with Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoðan on Wednesday, first of all noted that whether Kosovo’s declaration of independence could set a precedent as suggested by many didn’t come up during the meeting with Erdoðan. “Kosovo is a unique issue. It cannot set a precedent for another region or country,” Sejdiu said... Earlier this week, Slovenian Foreign Minister Dimitrij Rupel, whose country holds the EU’s rotating six-month presidency, told his hosts in Tbilisi that Kosovo is a “unique case” which must not be viewed as a precedent in solving other similar crises around the world. “The European Union has many times pointed to Kosovo as a unique case, and it should not be viewed as precedent,” Rupel said then. The province has been run by the UN and NATO since the 1999 war in Kosovo, when NATO bombed Serbia for 78 days to stop its crackdown against the province’s Albanian separatists.
Thursday, February 7
REUTERS
Turk Cypriots warily eye Greek poll
Turkish Cypriots are anxiously awaiting the outcome of an election this month in the Greek Cypriot south that could cement partition of the Mediterranean island they share and wreck Turkey's ties with Europe. Papadopoulos, who led Greek Cypriots into rejection of a U.N.-backed Cyprus reunification plan in 2004, is seeking re-election in the February 17 poll but a strong challenge from two rivals is likely to force a second round on February 24. Victory for the hawkish Papadopoulos, who enjoys a small lead in opinion polls, would dash Turkish Cypriot hopes of a swift end to their international isolation and hobble Turkey's efforts to revive its stalled European Union entry bid. "The Greek Cypriot elections are very important for us... We don't have much time, our peoples are becoming more estranged by the day," Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat told Reuters at his residence in Nicosia, Europe's last divided capital. Talat, whose community supported the 2004 U.N. peace plan, declined to comment on the candidates contesting the Greek Cypriot presidency, but said a fresh peace drive was essential. "The status quo is not sustainable or fair because ... we are isolated. This election is really the last chance (for change)."... A Western diplomat based in Greek Nicosia said it was vital that all parties committed after the elections to a new U.N.-led peace process or face "a drift towards permanent partition". "We cannot allow this problem to fester ... Cypriot voters perhaps don't realize how stark the options are," he said... The Cyprus dispute is already hampering closer cooperation between the EU and NATO in conflict zones from Kosovo to Afghanistan. Turkey is a NATO member but Cyprus is not. This week, in a blow to EU unity, the Greek Cypriot government prevented the 27-nation bloc from forging a common position on Kosovo's independence. Cyprus fears Kosovo -- whose independence is strongly opposed by Serbia of which the mainly ethnic Albanian province is still a part -- would create a precedent for recognition of the TRNC, despite EU assurances that Kosovo is a unique case. Brushing aside suggestions Kosovo might be a model for the TRNC, Talat said Turkish Cypriots still favor reunification along the lines of past U.N. peace plans, involving a loose federal government and wide autonomy for the two communities. "Realistically, we can solve this problem in less than one year. There is already a huge body of work on what needs to be done ... It is possible with good will and good faith," he said.... But seasoned Cyprus observers are not optimistic. They say inter-communal contacts have fallen since the Greek Cypriots rejected the 2004 peace plan. Trade is static. Cooperation on issues ranging from crime-fighting to conservation founders on the Greek refusal to accept the legitimacy of the Turkish side. "The two sides have become more entrenched. There are big psychological barriers," said Hasan Kutlu Ince, head of the Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Commerce. The Greek Cypriots' blocking of EU efforts to end a trade embargo against the TRNC has eroded Turkish Cypriot support for the EU. Greek Cypriots fear allowing the TRNC to trade freely with the EU could lead to de facto recognition of the enclave. Some say the TRNC's isolation is already starting to crack. Last week, to Greek Cypriot fury, former German chancellor Gerhard Schroeder led a delegation of German businessmen to northern Cyprus. Talat has held talks -- unthinkable a few years ago -- with EU foreign ministers and U.S. secretaries of state. Several foreign companies including Australian franchise Gloria Jean's Coffees now operate in northern Cyprus. Syria has opened a regular ferry link to the TRNC. "I do not see how the two communities, with all the hang-ups they have about their relationship, can ever agree to come back together in one state to run their affairs," said Ayla Gurel, an analyst at the International Peace Research Institute Oslo. "(Another Papadopoulos win) might lead the international community to think the previously unthinkable -- partition."
UN NEWS CENTER
Top UN envoy reiterates support for Cyprus settlement
The top United Nations official in Cyprus today voiced the world body’s support for a settlement on the Mediterranean island. Speaking at a medal parade for the UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP), the Secretary-General’s Special Envoy Michael Møller said that “rather than launching a new initiative on its own, the UN will support good faith efforts on the part of both sides to restart talks and work for a solution.” t has been 44 years since the mission was established, and he said that it is often legitimately asked what more UNFICYP can do after operating for decades in Cyprus and whether the leaders of the Greek and Turkish Cypriot communities have the political will necessary to reach a solution. Ultimately, the “key to a settlement” lies not with the UN, but with the Cypriots themselves, stressed Mr. Møller, who also serves as head of UNFICYP. “This year may indeed prove crucial for a solution, but we have seen expectations raised many times before,” he noted. “The time has come for serious negotiations. The window of opportunity we have this year will not remain open forever.” Last December, the Security Council voted unanimously to extend UNFICYP’s mandate for six months, emphasizing that “time is not on the side of a settlement, and that negotiations to reunify the island have been at an impasse for too long.” Expressing its full support for the July 2006 agreement – which set out the necessary framework for a political process designed to lead to the resumption of full-fledged negotiations – the Council voiced deep concern over the “lack of any progress.”
CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY
Christofias: I will take initiatives to solve the Cyprus problem
Christofias will, if elected, undertake initiatives to press with the need for a political settlement. The leader of the leftwing AKEL party said he will take his international campaign to the UN Secretary-General, the Security Council's five permanent members and the European Commission to whom he will declare his readiness to work for a solution on the basis of UN resolutions, the High Level Agreements between the Greek Cypriot and the Turkish Cypriot communities and the international and European law. ''Either personally or through my envoys, I will call on them and I will be very persistent. My credentials will be those of a man who wants a solution. Our credibility in Europe, with regard to a political settlement, is at its lowest and we have to rectify that,'' Christofias has told CNA in an interview. On his links with the Turkish Cypriots, he said he will work very hard to convince them that it is in their interests as well to settle all aspects of the political problem in a way that will serve the country’s interests and not those of Turkey or others. The AKEL General Secretary said his government, if elected, will comprise “progressive personalities” from a wide spectrum and he appeared ready to talk to the rightwing Democratic Rally party, without however preempting the outcome of such a discussion. Responding to questions, Christofias said while sharing power with the government of Papadooulos he addressed himself to Russia, China and the Arab world to help Cyprus’ cause for justice and appeared disappointed that now his former coalition partner is very critical of him on various counts. The main focus of Christofias’ campaign is the Cyprus problem and in response to questions, he expressed the view that “things are going from bad to worse” and believes that division is at our doorstep. “Now I am risking everything because I believe that we can make a last-ditch effort, having regained our credibility at home and at abroad, to avert permanent partition,” he pointed out. Asked where he would address himself seeking support for a solution, he referred to the Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC), which he describes as ''a time-delay bomb for Cyprus,'' especially after an OIC resolution which talks about a ''Turkish Cypriot state.” ''If Turkey is seeking diplomatic recognition of the illegal regime, it will start from the OIC. So I will address our friends at the OIC and ask them to support the principles of international law, UN resolutions'' he explained. Replying to questions, he said he would undertake an initiative to break the current deadlock and push for the implementation of a UN-brokered agreement in July 2006. In Christofias' view, Turkey is unwilling to implement the agreement since it does not want to engage in in-depth discussions ''because some countries, including EU member states, have promised to upgrade the occupation regime through an end of the so-called isolation of the Turkish Cypriots.''“The July agreement, which provides for the establishment of technical groups and working committees to deal with all aspects of the problem is a tool which we can apply during our initiatives,” he added. He believes that Turkey before 2009, when the EU Commission will issue a new assessment on Ankara’s European bid, will instruct Talat to proceed with the implementation of the agreement. Christofias said that the current stalemate is due to the stance of the Turkish side and believes that “this situation serves only Turkey’s interests.” The House President told CNA that no one can set a timeframe for the solution of the problem because the solution is not solely up to the Greek Cypriot side. Regarding his relations with the Turkish Cypriots, Christofias said that his candidacy on this point ''clearly supersedes'' that of his rivals. ''I come from a political party which has never promoted nationalism or chauvinism. My party has been a common springboard with the Turkish Cypriots to gain human, social and economic rights.” AKEL, he noted, has also been a “messenger of peaceful coexistence between the two communities and a forum which teaches the spirit of cooperation with the Turkish Cypriots.” He believes that the worst mistake made by the Greek Cypriots since independence in 1960 was that they never tried to win the trust of the Turkish Cypriots. ''If we could do that, I think that the hands of Turkish imperialism would be tied,'' he observed. Referring to AKEL's contacts with the Republican Turkish Party (CTP), Christofias said that after the 2004 referendum, despite the fact that the Turkish Cypriot party did not respond to AKEL's calls for a dialogue, AKEL continued its efforts with a view to explain the Greek Cypriot concerns. ''It is impossible to accept a solution granting the right of intervention to the guarantor powers or a solution not uniting the state and its people under a federal bi-communal umbrella, nor can we accept military presence on the island. The solution cannot be viable unless the refugees are given the right to choose whether they want to return or not to their homes under Turkish Cypriot administration. Turkish settlers cannot be turned into citizens of the Republic,'' Christofias said. On the prospects of discussions with the right-wing DISY party, should he go through to the second round of elections, Christofias said he would talk to DISY and the parties backing the President, if their candidates fail to pass to the run-off election. ''If DISY President says 'let's talk', I wouldn't say no, just as I wouldn't say no to DIKO or EDEK. But of course I cannot predict the outcome of these talks,'' he concluded.
2.07.2008
Da ieri siamo nell'anno del topo
EngliSharia
GB/ PRIMATE ANGLICANO: INEVITABILE INTRODUZIONE DI LEGGE ISLAMICA
Arcivescovo sottolinea necessità di mantenere "coesione sociale"
Londra, 7 feb. (Ap) - L''introduzione in Gran Bretagna di alcuni
aspetti della ''sharia'', la legge islamica, è "inevitabile". Ne è
convinto l''arcivescovo di Canterbury Rowan Williams, ''primus
inter pares'' della Chiesa anglicana non nuovo a dichiarazioni a
effetto.
In un''intervista concessa oggi alla Bbc, il religioso ha
sostenuto che cittadini e leader politici del Regno Unito
dovrebbero "prendere atto" di come molti immigrati e discendenti
di immigrati di religione musulmana non riconoscono la supremazia
del diritto britannico.
"Credo sarebbe pericoloso - ha dichiarato Williams - sostenere
che esiste un''unica legge per tutti e che qualunque altra cosa
richieda fedeltà e rispetto sia del tutto irrilevante nei
procedimenti giudiziari".
Secondo l''arcivescovo, ai cittadini britannici di religione
musulmana dovrebbe esser consentito di risolvere di fronte a
tribunali che applichino la ''sharia'' le proprie controversie
finanziarie e in materia di divorzio.
Arcivescovo sottolinea necessità di mantenere "coesione sociale"
Londra, 7 feb. (Ap) - L''introduzione in Gran Bretagna di alcuni
aspetti della ''sharia'', la legge islamica, è "inevitabile". Ne è
convinto l''arcivescovo di Canterbury Rowan Williams, ''primus
inter pares'' della Chiesa anglicana non nuovo a dichiarazioni a
effetto.
In un''intervista concessa oggi alla Bbc, il religioso ha
sostenuto che cittadini e leader politici del Regno Unito
dovrebbero "prendere atto" di come molti immigrati e discendenti
di immigrati di religione musulmana non riconoscono la supremazia
del diritto britannico.
"Credo sarebbe pericoloso - ha dichiarato Williams - sostenere
che esiste un''unica legge per tutti e che qualunque altra cosa
richieda fedeltà e rispetto sia del tutto irrilevante nei
procedimenti giudiziari".
Secondo l''arcivescovo, ai cittadini britannici di religione
musulmana dovrebbe esser consentito di risolvere di fronte a
tribunali che applichino la ''sharia'' le proprie controversie
finanziarie e in materia di divorzio.
Ci manca solo questa
IRAN/ TEHERAN PROPONE A VATICANO ''COMITATO PERMANENTE DIALOGO''
Mottaki lo ha proposto durante ricevimento nunzio apostolico
Roma, 7 feb. (Apcom) - Teheran vuole costituire "un comitato
permanente per il dialogo tra il Vaticano e l''Iran". A fare la
proposta è stato il ministro degli Esteri iraniano Manoucher
Mottaki, durante la cerimonia di ricevimento di accredito del
nunzio apostolico della Santa Sede in Iran, Monsignor John Paul
Gobel, come ha riferito l''agenzia stampa iraniana Mehr.
L''agenzia stampa semi ufficiale della Repubblica islamica,
riferisce che Mottaki ha sottolineato il "desiderio di
consolidare e sviluppare le relazioni", tra l''Iran e la Santa
Sede. Per il ministro degli Esteri iraniano, di fronte alle
"offese recate negli ultimi anni a fede e divinta religiose", "i
leader religiosi sono chiamati oggi ad assumere severe
responsabilità superiori a quella degli anni passati.
La stessa agenzia riporta la "disponibilità del Vaticano a
formare un comitato permanente per il dialogo con la Repubblica
islamica", espressa dal nunzio apostolico durante l''incontro.
Mottaki lo ha proposto durante ricevimento nunzio apostolico
Roma, 7 feb. (Apcom) - Teheran vuole costituire "un comitato
permanente per il dialogo tra il Vaticano e l''Iran". A fare la
proposta è stato il ministro degli Esteri iraniano Manoucher
Mottaki, durante la cerimonia di ricevimento di accredito del
nunzio apostolico della Santa Sede in Iran, Monsignor John Paul
Gobel, come ha riferito l''agenzia stampa iraniana Mehr.
L''agenzia stampa semi ufficiale della Repubblica islamica,
riferisce che Mottaki ha sottolineato il "desiderio di
consolidare e sviluppare le relazioni", tra l''Iran e la Santa
Sede. Per il ministro degli Esteri iraniano, di fronte alle
"offese recate negli ultimi anni a fede e divinta religiose", "i
leader religiosi sono chiamati oggi ad assumere severe
responsabilità superiori a quella degli anni passati.
La stessa agenzia riporta la "disponibilità del Vaticano a
formare un comitato permanente per il dialogo con la Repubblica
islamica", espressa dal nunzio apostolico durante l''incontro.
2.06.2008
O bianco fiore, simbolo d'amore
ELEZIONI: TABACCI, CI PRESENTIAMO FUORI DA SCHIERAMENTI
(ANSA) - ROMA, 6 FEB - La Rosa bianca si presentera'' alle
prossime elezioni ''''senza paracadute, fuori dagli schieramenti e
senza intese sottobanco''''. Lo ha detto Bruno Tabacci, della Rosa
bianca, partecipando alla registrazione di ''Porta a Porta''.
''''Vogliamo offrire un fiore - ha detto Tabacci - un fiore di
speranza''''.
(ANSA) - ROMA, 6 FEB - La Rosa bianca si presentera'' alle
prossime elezioni ''''senza paracadute, fuori dagli schieramenti e
senza intese sottobanco''''. Lo ha detto Bruno Tabacci, della Rosa
bianca, partecipando alla registrazione di ''Porta a Porta''.
''''Vogliamo offrire un fiore - ha detto Tabacci - un fiore di
speranza''''.
Opinions from Cyprus
CYPRUS MAIL
Time to restart talks on Cyprus by DAVID HANNAY
“Ever since Greek Cypriots rejected the United Nations plan to reunite Cyprus in 2004, antagonism has grown between the Greek majority and the Turks in the north of the island. Turkish Cypriots have withdrawn into Turkey's embrace and have attempted to gain greater international recognition. Greek Cypriots are using their European Union membership as a weapon to frustrate Turkey's EU ambitions and to block attempts to increase trade between the EU and the island's north. The EU cannot let Cyprus stew in its own juice, not least because as a member state the island is proving an uncomfortable bedfellow. The whole of Cyprus joined the EU in May 2004, but the acquis communautaire - the body of EU law - applies only to areas under direct government control, so it is suspended in those parts administered by Turkish Cypriots. The Turkish government, unwisely, became embroiled with the EU over the latter's plan to extend the customs union to include all new member states, including Cyprus. Meanwhile, the EU has failed to deliver fully on aid and trade pledges to Turkish Cypriots. Perhaps most worrying of all, if the stalemate over Cyprus continues, it could end Turkey's chances of joining the EU, as Greek Cypriot intransigence has given succor to other member states that want to keep Turkey out. It might also prevent rapprochement between Greece and Turkey, despite the hopes raised by Greek Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis' recent visit to Turkey - the first in almost a half-century. There are plenty of obstacles in the way of a negotiated solution to the Cyprus problem. Just over a year ago, the Finnish EU presidency failed to break the gridlock over the Cyprus trade issue, illustrating again the limited value of trying to agree partial solutions and "confidence-building" measures. The UN's latest initiative to get low-key, exploratory talks moving is going nowhere. Cypriot presidential elections this month may give a second term to Tasos Papadopoulos, the Greek Cypriot leader who led the "No" campaign in the 2004 reunification referendum. On the other hand, Turkey's recent elections returned the same pro-EU government that made a serious attempt to settle the Cyprus problem in 2004. So it's not all gloom and doom. Some argue that it would be better to leave Cyprus alone and revisit the problem only in the closing stages of Turkey's EU accession. These voices are likely to become louder if Papadopoulos is re-elected. Such a delay would be a mistake. Turkey would then have to conduct dual negotiations - over Cyprus and over its own EU accession. This would risk overlaps and trade-offs between the two, or a cumulative burden of compromises that might become too great for Turks to accept, potentially wrecking both negotiations at one stroke. For Greek Cypriots, the failure of Turkey's accession talks in this way would also end any chance of resolving the Cyprus problem. Both Greek and Turkish Cypriots must take proper responsibility for any solutions that are negotiated and stand behind their decisions during any subsequent referendum campaign. All too often, Cypriots present themselves as helpless pawns in a wider game played by Greece, Turkey, or the "great powers." There may have been some truth to this in the past, although never to the extent that many Cypriots believe. This time around, only genuine negotiations by both parties - and a mutually accepted settlement - are likely to stand the test of time. Given the island's complexity, and Cypriot sensitivity, it would be foolish for an outsider to try to sketch any future settlement. It would, however, seem safe to summarize certain elements at the outset. For example, it would be impractical to drop the basic framework of a bi-communal, bi-zonal federation, which was agreed by both sides as long ago as 1977. Moreover, there seems little doubt that the final, rejected version of the UN's 2003-2004 reunification plan will have to be changed, although earlier versions might contain ideas worth re-visiting. It may also be constructive to take advantage of transitional provisions linked to Turkey's EU accession. One earlier UN suggestion was that Turkey complete the withdrawal of its troops from Cyprus when it joined the EU. At the same time, there are concerns raised by one side that could be settled without any difficulty for the other side. Greek Cypriots were worried, for instance, about the tax bill for the last proposed settlement; an agreement by the EU and other international players to subsidize the plan would cut the potential cost without affecting the Turkish community at all. The UN, the EU, Greece, Turkey, and UN Security Council members must be united in their support for any renewed effort to reach a settlement. Ever since UN peacekeepers were deployed in 1964, the UN has been the only party acceptable to all sides as a "midwife of compromise." While the EU must be present, it cannot be a neutral mediator, since Greece and Cyprus are both members. The Security Council must also give support to the UN's negotiators and guarantee the provisions of any settlement. This will help to avoid the kind of fears that surfaced in 2004 about implementation of the previous UN plan. Cyprus suffers from being a second-order problem, one that occasionally flares up, only to be damped down again with short-term palliatives. Many international diplomats are weary of the constant squabbles, endless setbacks, and stubbornness shown in previous negotiations. But neglect of Cyprus could have serious consequences, especially if its continued division keeps Turkey outside the EU. The future then would be fraught with tension in a part of the world where the EU needs to encourage peace and stability.”
2.04.2008
Facce toste
LEGISLATURA ANCORA IN PIEDI SE NON AVESSE SFIDATO IL SENATO
Roma, 5 feb. (Adnkronos) - Il Pd lo mette tra i pugnalatori, ma
Lamberto Dini non ci sta: ''''Noi pugnalatori? Ma lo sanno che a Palazzo
Chigi sono convinti che chi li ha pugnalati davvero e'' stato Veltroni,
soprattutto per aver detto e ribadito che alle elezioni vuole andare
da solo? Noi pugnalatori? In verita'' ci siamo solo ripresa liberta''
d''azione politica, visto il continuo slittamento a sinistra
nell''azione di governo''''. Il leader dei liberaldemocratici, in
un''intervista a ''Il Giornale'' ripercorre le tappe della crisi di
governo. E individua il responsabile numero uno in Romano Prodi: ''''La
responsabilita'' principale e'' di Prodi, per sua scelta, per sua
cocciutaggine ha voluto sfidare il Senato'''', sottolinea il presidente
della commissione Esteri di Palazzo Madama.
''''Se non fosse venuto al Senato -spiega ancora Dini- c''era la
possibilita'' di allungare la legislatura. Poteva essere individuata
una soluzione con il presidente della Repubblica, magari per mettere a
punto una riforma elettorale. Invece, per la presunzione di Prodi, la
legislatura e'' finita. Voleva governare per cinque anni. Ma chi glielo
aveva detto, la chiromante?'''', ironizza Dini. ''''Adesso qualcuno nella
maggioranza propone un governo di larghe intese per fare la legge
elettorale. Ma bisognava farlo prima, non ora'''', sottolinea il leader
dei liberaldemocratici ricordando come la maggioranza non solo ha
respinto l''offerta di Silvio Berlusconi all''indomani del voto, ma
''''hanno fatto man bassa di posti e poltrone, senza rendersi conto che
per la protervia di questo governo e per la politica economica
sbagliata in 15 mesi questo governo ha dimezzato il consenso''''.
Eppure, facendo un passo indietro, l''inizio della crisi del
governo Prodi si puo'' far risalire, secondo Dini, alla ''''nascita del
Partito democratico''''. Il senatore se la prende con Piero Fassino e
Francesco Rutelli che ''''hanno voluto accelerare'''', con il risultato di
provocare ''''scissioni sia a sinistra sia al centro''''. Dini schiva la
domanda su cosa gli hanno offerto pur di continuare a sostenere il
governo Prodi: ''''Se Berlusconi prova a recuperare voti, scatta
l''inchiesta di una procura. Se lo fanno gli altri, va tutto bene''''. Ma
cosa le hanno offerto? ''''Sono un gentiluomo, le rispondo con un
sorriso'''', replica Dini.
Roma, 5 feb. (Adnkronos) - Il Pd lo mette tra i pugnalatori, ma
Lamberto Dini non ci sta: ''''Noi pugnalatori? Ma lo sanno che a Palazzo
Chigi sono convinti che chi li ha pugnalati davvero e'' stato Veltroni,
soprattutto per aver detto e ribadito che alle elezioni vuole andare
da solo? Noi pugnalatori? In verita'' ci siamo solo ripresa liberta''
d''azione politica, visto il continuo slittamento a sinistra
nell''azione di governo''''. Il leader dei liberaldemocratici, in
un''intervista a ''Il Giornale'' ripercorre le tappe della crisi di
governo. E individua il responsabile numero uno in Romano Prodi: ''''La
responsabilita'' principale e'' di Prodi, per sua scelta, per sua
cocciutaggine ha voluto sfidare il Senato'''', sottolinea il presidente
della commissione Esteri di Palazzo Madama.
''''Se non fosse venuto al Senato -spiega ancora Dini- c''era la
possibilita'' di allungare la legislatura. Poteva essere individuata
una soluzione con il presidente della Repubblica, magari per mettere a
punto una riforma elettorale. Invece, per la presunzione di Prodi, la
legislatura e'' finita. Voleva governare per cinque anni. Ma chi glielo
aveva detto, la chiromante?'''', ironizza Dini. ''''Adesso qualcuno nella
maggioranza propone un governo di larghe intese per fare la legge
elettorale. Ma bisognava farlo prima, non ora'''', sottolinea il leader
dei liberaldemocratici ricordando come la maggioranza non solo ha
respinto l''offerta di Silvio Berlusconi all''indomani del voto, ma
''''hanno fatto man bassa di posti e poltrone, senza rendersi conto che
per la protervia di questo governo e per la politica economica
sbagliata in 15 mesi questo governo ha dimezzato il consenso''''.
Eppure, facendo un passo indietro, l''inizio della crisi del
governo Prodi si puo'' far risalire, secondo Dini, alla ''''nascita del
Partito democratico''''. Il senatore se la prende con Piero Fassino e
Francesco Rutelli che ''''hanno voluto accelerare'''', con il risultato di
provocare ''''scissioni sia a sinistra sia al centro''''. Dini schiva la
domanda su cosa gli hanno offerto pur di continuare a sostenere il
governo Prodi: ''''Se Berlusconi prova a recuperare voti, scatta
l''inchiesta di una procura. Se lo fanno gli altri, va tutto bene''''. Ma
cosa le hanno offerto? ''''Sono un gentiluomo, le rispondo con un
sorriso'''', replica Dini.
Perché l'AdnKronos ritiene notizia quanto detto da Radio vaticana?
FORZA ITALIA SPINGE PRESIDENTE INCARICATO AL QUIRINALE
Citta'' del Vaticano, 4 feb. (Adnkronos) - ''''Sembra dunque chiusa
la coraggiosa partita di Franco Marini''''. Inizia cosi'' il servizio che
la Radio Vaticana dedica alla crisi di governo in Italia. L''emittente
della Santa Sede spiega anche che ''''la posizione di Forza Italia,
annunciata da tempo, spinge di fatto il presidente incaricato
direttamente al Quirinale per rimettere il mandato nelle mani del Capo
dello Stato''''. E'' noto che la Chiesa, nelle sue varie articolazioni,
dal Vaticano alla Conferenza episcopale, avrebbe preferito che i due
schieramenti avessero trovato un accordo su alcune riforme di fondo -
a cominciare da quella elettorale - per evitare che i rischi di
instabilita'' si proiettassero anche sulla prossima legislatura.
Per un accordo tra le parti nell''interesse del bene comune di
tutto il Paese, si erano espressi il Segretario di Stato, cardinale
Tarcisio Bertone, e il segretario generale della Cei, mons. Giuseppe
Betori. I media cattolici avevano poi seguito l''andamento della crisi
politica con apprensione; l''Avvenire, quotidiano della Conferenza
episcopale, aveva espresso il proprio favore a un eventuale ''''governo
di scopo''''; mentre la Civilta'' cattolica, rivista della Compagnia di
Gesu'' che riceve l''imprimatur della Segreteria di stato vaticana,
aveva apertamente dato il proprio sostegno all''ipotesi di un governo a
termine che avesse fatto la riforma elettorale e si era pronunciata
contro ''''la retorica delle elezioni subito''''.
Citta'' del Vaticano, 4 feb. (Adnkronos) - ''''Sembra dunque chiusa
la coraggiosa partita di Franco Marini''''. Inizia cosi'' il servizio che
la Radio Vaticana dedica alla crisi di governo in Italia. L''emittente
della Santa Sede spiega anche che ''''la posizione di Forza Italia,
annunciata da tempo, spinge di fatto il presidente incaricato
direttamente al Quirinale per rimettere il mandato nelle mani del Capo
dello Stato''''. E'' noto che la Chiesa, nelle sue varie articolazioni,
dal Vaticano alla Conferenza episcopale, avrebbe preferito che i due
schieramenti avessero trovato un accordo su alcune riforme di fondo -
a cominciare da quella elettorale - per evitare che i rischi di
instabilita'' si proiettassero anche sulla prossima legislatura.
Per un accordo tra le parti nell''interesse del bene comune di
tutto il Paese, si erano espressi il Segretario di Stato, cardinale
Tarcisio Bertone, e il segretario generale della Cei, mons. Giuseppe
Betori. I media cattolici avevano poi seguito l''andamento della crisi
politica con apprensione; l''Avvenire, quotidiano della Conferenza
episcopale, aveva espresso il proprio favore a un eventuale ''''governo
di scopo''''; mentre la Civilta'' cattolica, rivista della Compagnia di
Gesu'' che riceve l''imprimatur della Segreteria di stato vaticana,
aveva apertamente dato il proprio sostegno all''ipotesi di un governo a
termine che avesse fatto la riforma elettorale e si era pronunciata
contro ''''la retorica delle elezioni subito''''.
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