2.29.2008
Ma che vuol dire più cattolici nel mondo?
LIEVE AUMENTO NEI DATI 2006; CRESCONO ANCHE VESCOVI E SACERDOTI
(di Fausto Gasparroni)
(ANSA) - CITTA'' DEL VATICANO, 29 FEB - Sedici milioni di
cattolici in piu'' nel mondo in un anno. Aumenta, anche se in
maniera lieve, il numero dei fedeli cattolici a livello globale:
nel 2006 erano 1.131 milioni, con un aumento dell''1,4% rispetto
ai 1.115 milioni dell''anno precedente. Quasi la meta'' dei fedeli
vive nel continente americano, mentre in Europa la presenza
cattolica rappresenta il 25% del totale, in Asia il dieci.
Sono alcuni dei numeri sulla presenza della Chiesa cattolica
nel mondo che emergono dall''edizione 2008 dell''Annuario
Pontificio, presentato stamane a Benedetto XVI dal cardinale
segretario di Stato, Tarcisio Bertone, e dall''arcivescovo
Fernando Filoni, sostituto per gli Affari generali.
Secondo i dati statistici pubblicati, riferiti al 2006, oltre
al leggero aumento dei cattolici (che pero'' non e'' al passo
della crescita complessiva della popolazione), continua la
tendenza che dal 2000 vede l''incremento del numero dei
sacerdoti, sia diocesani che religiosi, passato da 406.411 nel
2005 a 407.262 nel 2006, con una variazione complessiva dello
0,21%. Sempre dal 2005 al 2006, inoltre, il numero dei vescovi
e'' passato da 4.841 a 4.898.
Guardando alla presenza dei cattolici in rapporto con il
numero di abitanti dei continenti, si nota che l''America, quanto
a popolazione, ha un''incidenza sul totale pari a circa il 14%,
mentre il peso dei cattolici americani raggiunge il 49,8% dei
cattolici del mondo. L''Europa ha un''incidenza di popolazione
poco inferiore all''America, ma la sua importanza nel mondo
cattolico raggiunge un livello nettamente inferiore a quello dei
paesi americani (25%). Il peso dei cattolici dell''Asia e'' del
10,5%, inferiore a quello che il continente ha per quanto
riguarda la popolazione e che si attesta intorno al 61%.
Per quanto riguarda il numero dei sacerdoti, si osserva
infatti un ridimensionamento della loro presenza in Europa e in
America a vantaggio di Africa e Asia. In percentuale, infatti,
se nel 2000 il complesso dei preti operanti in Europa e in
America rappresentava l''81% circa del totale, nel 2006 essi
incidevano sul dato mondiale del 78%.
La variazione positiva di maggiore rilievo si osserva in
Africa dove l''incidenza dei sacerdoti nel 2006 si attesta
attorno all''8% del totale mondiale. Anche in Asia i sacerdoti
hanno seguito una tendenza positiva, passando da 43.566 nel 2000
a 51.281 nel 2006.
Viene visto positivamente, infine, l''andamento del numero di
coloro che si preparano al sacerdozio. Gli studenti di filosofia
e di teologia nei seminari diocesani o in quelli religiosi sono
115.480, con un aumento dello 0,9% rispetto all''anno precedente.
Di essi 24.034 si trovano in Africa, 37.150 nelle Americhe,
30.702 in Asia, 22.618 in Europa e 976 in Oceania. (ANSA).
News from Cyprus
CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY
Christofias calls on Talat to speak in undertones
Christofias has called on Talat to speak in undertones regarding the Cyprus problem, noting that ''comments either side, if we wish to work properly, should be avoided.'' ''This is my message to Mr. Talat, if we really want to work seriously for a Cyprus settlement,'' Christofias said, commenting on a letter sent by Talat to UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon. Christofias added that he had elaborated on the parameters of the settlement pursued before the House of Representatives and that ''I expect understanding from the other side.'' Replying to questions, Christofias said he would be meeting with the UN Secretary General's Special Representative in Cyprus Michael Moller on Monday and would be flying to Athens on Tuesday for a visit that will last until Thursday. Asked if he would be sending a letter to the UN chief, Christofias said ''moves will be made in the direction of the UN Secretariat, the UN Secretary General and the five permanent members of the Security Council.'' He also said he was in close contact with European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso and that his next trip would be to Brussels.
CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY
Christofias presides over first cabinet meeting
Christofias said on Friday that his government was beginning hard work and called on the new members of the Council of Ministers to be consistent with the declarations of the government and never forget that credibility and success were the gamble of the government's service. Addressing the first cabinet meeting after the new Ministers were sworn in, apart from the Minister of Foreign Affairs who will be sworn in on Monday, Christofias thanked and congratulated the new Ministers for accepting his invitation to participate in the government and said that ''as of today we begin hard work.'' ''You have before you the programme of our government. This is the guiding light and compass for all of us. It must continuously be your constant reference point. The programme binds us to work towards a just solution of the Cyprus problem and a fairer society. If we manage to implement these two fundamental aims, then we will truly inaugurate a new era for our homeland and our people,'' he said. Christofias said unity and consent would be cultivated through dialogue and transparency, adding that ''in decision making there must control, decisiveness and speed'' and that ''all ministries must have their doors open to the citizens.'' He called on his cabinet to be consistent with the declarations of the government and ''never forget that credibility and success are the gamble of the government's service,'' adding that ''we must all work hard to justify the faith of the people who gave us the mandate to govern.'' ''I will always be on hour side, a friend, an assistant and a supporter to your work. The people have demands from us, so as their attorney I have demands of you. I wish you all success in the task you have undertaken,'' he said. He furthermore informed the cabinet that he would be flying to Athens on Tuesday for a working visit that will last until Thursday, and that the next meeting of the Council of Ministers would be held on March 11.
CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY
New cabinet members sworn in
The new members of the Council of Ministers were sworn in on Friday before Christofias, apart from Minister of Foreign Affairs Marcos Kyprianou, who will be sworn in on Monday morning. Kyprianou has resigned from the post of European Commissioner and his resignation will apply as soon as his successor is appointed. The other new Ministers are Minister of Finance Charilaos Stavrakis, Minister of the Interior Neoclis Sylikiotis, Minister of Defence Costas Papacostas, Minister of Education and Culture Andreas Demetriou, Minister of Communications and Works Nicos Nicolaides, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Tourism Antonis Paschalides, Minister of Agriculture, Natural Resources and the Environment Michalis Polyniki Charalambides, Minister of Labour and Social Insurance Soteroulla Charalambous, Minister of Justice and Public Order Kypros Chrysostomides, and Minister of Health Christos Patsalides. Furthermore, Titos Christophides has been appointed Undersecretary to the President, Stephanos Stephanou Government Spokesman, George Iacovou Commissioner of the Presidency, Charalambos Theopemptou Commissioner for the Environment, and Vassos Georgiou Director of the President's Office. After the swearing in ceremony, Christofias laid a wreath at the statue of Makarios III in the Presidential Palace court, and the new cabinet gathered at the entrance of the Palace for a photograph, after which the cabinet, under Christofias, began a ceremonial meeting. Later on Friday, the new Ministers will be taking over their respective ministries during special ceremonies.
CYPRUS MAIL
‘Save your comments for negotiating table’
Christofias yesterday advised Talat to keep a tight lip on the Cyprus problem if he wanted to get any results out of today’s positive environment following his election. Before Christofias could even take office, Talat made a number of comments to the press last week discussing the nature of a future settlement, its substance and his side’s desire to return to the Annan plan. His comments were not viewed favourably among the Greek Cypriot media, some of which accused Talat of trying to undermine Christofias. Two days before the runoff election, Talat sent a letter to UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon asking for future talks to be based on the same Annan Plan overwhelmingly rejected by Greek Cypriots in 2004. According to Phileleftheros, Talat also asked for the international community to recognise the efforts of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) in securing the Turkish Cypriot approval of the plan. Since then, Talat has been quoted in the press talking on issues of substance regarding a solution. “We want political equality. I want to highlight the communal aspect of political equality between Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots, not the watered down version of political equality of two entities,” he said. Talat highlighted that Turkish Cypriots have lived within their own state-like structure since 1963. Following the ‘1974 invasion’ and 1983 declaration of independence by the TRNC, this entity produced a salaried ‘civil service’ which must be taken into account in any future settlement, said Talat. The Turkish Cypriot leader also spoke of the need for a new state to be born out of any final settlement, a prickly issue among Greek Cypriots. He referred to the need to start negotiations where they were left off, that is, the Annan plan, despite the July 8 2006 process being the last negotiated agreement between the two community leaders. Christofias recently expressed his desire to see all Turkish troops leave Cyprus. Talat’s response was any amendment of the international treaties signed in 1960 went beyond the powers of the two Cypriot leaders. Following his inauguration ceremony yesterday, Christofias was asked to comment on Talat’s latest remarks. “I don’t want to speak about this. Comments from both sides should be avoided if we want to work seriously on the Cyprus problem. This is my advice to Mr Talat,” said Christofias....Given the previously close relationship enjoyed by Christofias and Talat, political observers were perplexed by the latter’s recent comments, which seemed to eat away at the upbeat climate created by the AKEL leader’s election. Talat sought to play down concerns yesterday, insisting that Greek and Turkish Cypriots had a “new era” ahead of them.“We have reasons to be hopeful… We have every opportunity ahead, for now. There is euphoria among Turkish Cypriots everywhere in the world. We have to utilise this.” “Now, people across the political spectrum want unification, unlike the past. With the new leadership, looking to the future, I am very optimistic,” Talat added. The Turkish Cypriot leader said he expected to meet with Christofias next week. A team of UN experts will arrive on the island in March to assess the situation, while by the end of April at the latest, Talat hoped real negotiations could start. British High Commissioner Peter Millett highlighted that the next few weeks and months were “vitally important for Cyprus”. Millet maintained that the international community would not impose any plan or solution on Cyprus. “You, the Cypriots, own the problem. It is up to you to solve it,” he said. The British diplomat said the island needed to see a “change of atmosphere in which genuine trust can be generated”. A good start would be the opening of Ledra Street next month, he added.
REUTERS
New Cyprus foreign minister eyes unification
Cyprus's new foreign minister said on Thursday he intended to capitalise on a "new momentum" to unify the ethnically divided island and believed there was a real chance he could broker a long-term agreement. Markos Kyprianou resigned as the European Union's health chief on Thursday to return to his native Cyprus, become foreign minister of a new government and help lead attempts to forge a peace deal for the divided Mediterranean island.
"There is new interest and new momentum to reach a deal and I intend to exploit this new momentum," Kyprianou told Reuters in an interview after his resignation. "I have two goals, one to integrate Cyprus fully into the European Union by contributing to the European structure and foreign and defence policy, but yes, my top priority is the resolution of the Cyprus issue. It is very early after the elections, but I think we can achieve this." Kyprianou, appointed EU health commissioner in May 2005, said the positive conditions for forging a reunification of Cyprus were irresistible... "This is the only reason I am going back. I was very proud to be EU Commissioner and was still very enthusiastic to look after the health of over 500 million Europeans," he said. "But at the same time the good prospects and the positive new process on unification meant I could not sit back and watch from afar. I owed it to my country."... He said he expected United Nations-brokered meetings with the Turkish Cypriots to take place "very soon" after he takes office. Christofias has already sought early talks with Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat."The responsibility lies with the U.N. Any deal relies on the U.N. and the EU, which has the most interest in this issue since it already contains one of the countries involved and the other is a candidate country," Kyprianou said... "My experience in dealing with delicate international issues in Brussels certainly means I am very well placed and I intend to use this experience and influence in my new role," he said.
Thursday, February 28
CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY
Britain hopes Cypriot leaders to meet soon
British High Commissioner to Cyprus Peter Millet expressed hope on Thursday that the UN Secretary General's Special Representative in Cyprus Michael Moller would hold meetings with Christofias and Talat, and that soon a meeting between the leaders of the two communities would be arranged, aiming at the resumption of stalled talks for a Cyprus settlement. ''We hope that the two leaders will have a meeting immediately, on Monday or Tuesday,'' Millet said, adding that ''it was up to the UN to arrange a meeting.'' He added that ''we are in a position to support this dialogue'' and that ''it is up to the two leaders to make arrangements about how they will move this process forward.''
CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY
Papadopoulos wishes Christofias good luck before leaving Presidential Palace
Papadopoulos, who departed from the Presidential Palace on Thursday afternoon, wished Christofias good luck in his duties. Christofias arrived at the Presidential Palace at 1705 local time (1505 GMT), accompanied by his wife, Elsie, in a car bearing the insignia of the Republic of Cyprus after the ceremony for his investiture at a special session of the House of Representatives. Papadopoulos received Christofias at the entrance of the Presidential Palace and entered the presidential office for a short talk that lasted about 15 minutes. Following the meeting, Papadopoulos wished Christofias ''good luck and progress,'' and departed from the Presidential Palace with his wife, Photini.
CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY
“Cyprus President” - Investiture - Address - Full text
The full text of the address before the House of Representatives by Christofias is as follows:
''Allow me first of all to express my thanks and gratitude to the citizens who honoured me with their vote. The trust with which they have embraced me and the strong mandate they gave me with their vote, is the solid foundation upon which we will rely to take Cyprus ahead. To open a new era for our Cyprus. An era which will be characterized by the intensification of our efforts to reach a just, viable and functional solution to the Cyprus problem. A new era which will be marked by the renewal of the political life of the country and the modernization of our society. I express warm thanks to all the political forces that supported my candidacy and elected me to the Presidency of the Republic through their hard work. I would like to thank my party AKEL and the Popular Movement, the United Democrats, the Epalxi Political Movement, the Socialists Initiative, the Free Citizens Initiative and the Support Movements for my candidacy, all of whom were with me from the beginning. I would also like to thank the Democratic Party, the Social Democrats Movement EDEK and the Cyprus Green Party for their support during the second round of the elections, thereby contributing to my election to the highest office of the Republic of Cyprus. I also express my thanks not only to those who have voted for me but also to those who, by exercising their democratic right, made other choices. I thank them because, with their massive participation in the elections, away from fanaticism, bigotry and excesses, they have confirmed that democracy in our country has now matured. This is something we can all be proud of. Democracy is a people's victory that all of us should protect and preserve at all costs. The strong ties between the citizens and politics prevailing in our country is a healthy phenomenon because they demonstrate that the citizens trust the political process and the politicians. They are the bearers and heralds of the collective participation in the social and political life in our country. This guarantees the smooth functioning of democracy. I wish once again to stress that I honour and respect my opponents in the Presidential Elections. I honour and respect Mr. Kasoulides who, along with me, contested the Presidency of the Republic in the second round of the Presidential Elections. I also express my respect and boundless appreciation to President Mr. Tassos Papadopoulos. With Mr. Papadopoulos, we developed a cooperation and a personal friendship over many years. This cooperation culminated in his election to the Presidency of the Republic in 2003 as well as in the effort we jointly made to bring about change during his Presidency. Despite the disagreements and different approaches that appeared in the course of this cooperation, we can certify that during Mr. Tassos Papadopoulos’ term in office a great lot has been accomplished. Ladies and gentlemen, My election to the Presidency of the Republic brings to a close the tenure of my presidency in the House of Representatives that started in May 2001. Seven years elapsed since then. Fruitful years for the House of Representatives. From the rich and multi-faceted work of the House during all these years, I would single out its contribution in the collective and gigantic effort – of the state and of the political leadership, of the organized groups and of the people – to bring about the harmonization of the Republic of Cyprus with the european acquis and to make Cyprus a member state of the European Union, on 1 May 2004. Another aspect of the activities of the Cyprus House of Representatives that I wish to mention is the strengthening of parliamentary diplomacy and the activities for the promotion of the Cyprus problem internationally. Culture, Arts and Letters were an important part of the overall work of the House during this period, a development I feel particularly proud of. From the bottom of my heart I would like to thank all the political forces that contributed to produce the rich parliamentary work during this period. I would like to thank the directors, the officers and the House personnel for their decisive contribution in the -grading of the parliamentary and legislative work. I wish them all strength and smooth continuity in their endeavors. Ladies and gentlemen, I run for the Presidency of the Republic inspired by a life-long vision: The achievement of a just solution to the Cyprus problem and the building of a fairer society. This vision is evident throughout my government programme, which constitutes the beacon and compass of my presidency. I will do my utmost and work very hard to implement my commitments to the people, along with the Council of Ministers that I will appoint. My government programme is a contract of honour with the people which I will fully honour. The principal concern and duty of our Presidency is the solution of the Cyprus problem. I have repeatedly stated during the pre-election period and I state it again now: The solution of the Cyprus problem is the main reason I took the decision to run for the Presidency of the Republic of Cyprus. The solution of the Cyprus problem will be the top priority of my government. The aim of our Presidency is to achieve a just, viable and functional solution that will terminate the occupation and colonization of our country. A solution that will restore the sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and unity of the Republic of Cyprus and will exclude any rights for military intervention in the internal affairs of our country by foreign powers. A solution which will reunite the territory, the people, the institutions and the economy of our country in the framework of a bizonal, bicommunal federation, as provided for in the Makarios – Denktash high-level agreement of 1977 and the Kyprianou – Denktash high-level agreement of 1979. The federal, bizonal, bicommunal Republic of Cyprus must have a single sovereignty and international personality and a single citizenship. The solution must be based on the United Nations resolutions on Cyprus and be compatible with international and the EU law as well as with international conventions on human rights. We demand that the solution will restore and safeguard the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all the people of Cyprus, Greek Cypriots, Turkish Cypriots, Armenians and Latins, including the right of return and the right to property for the refugees. We demand that the solution will provide for the withdrawal of the Turkish occupation troops and the demilitarization of the Republic of Cyprus. The ultimate goal remains the demilitarization of all of Cyprus. We support consistently the political equality of the two communities in the framework of a federation, as this is defined in the relevant resolutions of the UN Security Council. The Cyprus problem remains unresolved for thirty four years now despite the many efforts that have been made from time to time. The problem has not been solved due to Turkey’s refusal to accept a solution that would be to the benefit of the people of Cyprus. I firmly believe that the time has come for the problem to be solved in a just, viable and functional way and for the principles of international law to be restored; principles that Turkey violates through the invasion in carried out in 1974 and through the occupation of a large part of our homeland. The starting point to break the deadlock and create the preconditions for a comprehensive negotiation of the Cyprus problem is the implementation of the 8 July agreement, which is embraced and supported by the five permanent members of the Security Council. We declare our readiness for dialogue for the implementation of the agreement and we hope to have a positive response from the Turkish Cypriot side. At this solemn hour, I address myself to our Turkish Cypriot compatriots in order to assure them that I am filled and inspired by the best of intentions for reconciliation and peaceful coexistence. I assure them once again that I will work so that they can enjoy all the rights as equal citizens of a united federal Republic of Cyprus. However, I wish to emphatically reiterate that the restoration of the rights of Turkish Cypriots cannot take place at the expense of the rights of the Greek Cypriot and of our Maronite, Armenian and Latin compatriots. This would doom the solution of the Cyprus problem to failure from the outset. We have made a pledge to the people of Cyprus that we will undertake intense efforts towards various directions in the international community in order to achieve a solution to the Cyprus problem. I express my satisfaction, because in the immediate aftermath of the Presidential Elections, the international community has declared its readiness to contribute to the efforts for a solution to the Cyprus problem. From this distinguished rostrum, I reaffirm my commitment towards the people that I will be taking constant initiatives towards the international community as well as towards the Turkish Cypriot community, to achieve a solution that will be based on principles. For the fulfillment of our promise we will take steps in the direction of the Secretary General and the Security Council of the United Nations Organization. We welcome the position of the Security Council, as this is set forth in its latest resolution, which calls upon the two communities to engage constructively in the efforts to find a solution in Cyprus. We will work vigorously to develop this cooperation and rapprochement with our Turkish Cypriot compatriots, building on the long and historical ties that we have developed with them through the years. It is important for us that the United Nations Secretary General, through the exercise of his good offices mission, contributes to the promotion and support of the dialogue between the two sides. It is also important that the five permanent members of the Security Council collectively handle the Cyprus problem on the basis of the decisions and resolutions of the United Nations Organization on Cyprus. The European Union can and should play a role in the efforts to solve the Cyprus problem. We look forward to the solidarity of our European partners and we expect that they will contribute to break the deadlock and to solve the Cyprus problem. It is not easy to achieve a fair, viable and functional solution to the Cyprus problem. We are aware of the difficulties. We fully understand that it will take continuous, persistent and hard work. The key to the solution is in the hands of Ankara. It is Turkey that has to decide to cooperate for a solution. An important and necessary precondition to the efforts we will make is to have unity on the internal front; it is the mobilization of everybody in the pursuit of the common goal towards a solution. Building unity on the internal front and the existence of a consensus and a dialogue is one of the top priorities of our administration. We shall promote unity and collective leadership in the handling of the Cyprus problem, through the upgrading and more effective operation of the National Council. The political parties will have both a say and a role to play and this opportunity will be realized through their substantial participation in the National Council. Unity, consensus and dialogue will be the characteristics of my presidency not only in the handling of the Cyprus problem, but also in the way Cyprus will be governed. Of course, unity does not mean the elimination or levelling of any differences. Objectively, such differences do exist. Unity, however, requires dialogue and the need to seek consensus solutions for the benefit of our country and our citizens. We shall seek dialogue and promote the synthesis of views. On the other hand, our government will certainly proceed decisively with the promotion of its policy and the implementation of our programme, which constitutes the bond of honour we have signed with the people. Unity in our country will be ensured through the socio-economic policy of our government, which aims to upgrade the mixed economy model. It is a model which has been applied in Cyprus since the island’s independence and which has proven beneficial for our country. We are convinced that this model has not exhausted its possibilities. We believe that it has still a lot to offer, provided that we upgrade it and strengthen it. The model of a mixed economy is based on the cooperation between the initiatives of the private, the public and the cooperative sectors. It is based on the combination of the spirit of entrepreneurship and social cohesion as well as on the existence of a robust economy and high growth rates. Furthermore, it is based on the existence of a socially developed state that supports working people and meets the reasonable needs of the citizens. My aim and ambition is to give substance to the vision we share for Cyprus' future through a productive and constructive dialogue with our people. Our vision is for a future characterized by peace and stability, security and employment for all, prosperity and progress for society as a whole, equality before the law, renewal of political life and modernization of the society, the economy and the state of Cyprus. In the last five years, with our substantive contribution, the government managed to overcome problems and create the prerequisites which, if properly and effectively utilized, may lead to the improvement of living conditions and better days for all of us. Our relation with the people is a two-way street based on mutual respect, common values, principles and ideals. The Republic of Cyprus, as a member of the European Union, will participate actively in developments in Europe, with the goal of realising the vision of a socially sensitive Europe. Cyprus can become a bridge between Europe and the countries in our region and also with countries with which our island maintains relations in the ranks of the non-aligned movement. Bearing in mind that the vision of a socially sensitive Europe is founded on unity through acceptance and respect of diversity and not on the leveling and alienation of peoples and cultures we shall utilize our education, cultural values, traditions and sports in order to reinforce our resistance to injurious influences. Together we shall work for the renewal and modernization of the political, social and economic system of our country. Together we shall work to modernize procedures and the state machinery and make it friendlier and easily accessible to the citizens. Respect for the rights of citizens and the principles of democracy, equality before the law, meritocracy and social equality will be put into action. Decisions at all levels will be taken through dialogue and a collective spirit. Citizens will always have a say in questions that concern and affect them. We aspire to simplify the procedures followed in the public sector, combat bureaucracy and improve the infrastructure and every parameter negatively affecting the daily life and the way of life of every citizen in our country. We attach particular importance to information technology and new technologies. As information technology is one of the pillars of developed societies, we shall invest and make dramatic improvements in this field in our country. We shall work hand in hand with the citizens and give a new impetus to IT in Cyprus, as information technology is closely associated with progress. Research and development and the adoption of new technologies in the industrial sector will give a great impetus to the Cyprus economy. They will increase productivity and improve the competitiveness of Cyprus' industries. These parameters are of decisive importance if the Cypriot economy is to be able to cope with the new conditions created by our participation in the great European family. In the tourist and other sectors there is need to speed up the execution of necessary projects and infrastructure and put in place effective mechanisms for the implementation of decisions and projects. Cooperation between the Government and local administration will be further strengthened for the benefit of the citizens. It goes without saying that we shall honour the commitments we have undertaken towards the local administration. Cyprus can do better. That is why I will give emphasis and ensure that the island will be turned into a centre for education, health and provision of services, in line with the commitments I have undertaken in my programme. Our care and concern for all social groups should be taken for granted. However, I would like to make special reference to the youth of Cyprus. The younger generation deserves to have its own dynamic role in the civic life of our country. Through all our policies we have a duty to give opportunities to young people to show their capabilities and ensure their substantial participation in our society. Our vision for a secure Cyprus in the European family of peace and cooperation is the vision of young people. Social sensitivity, solidarity and response to human suffering will constitute the strongest characteristics of my presidency. My personal history as well as that of the political movement where I come from constitute, I believe, a guarantee for an anthropocentric policy, which will aim at the continuous improvement of quality of life of the citizen. Ladies and gentlemen, My presidency will be a presidency for all Cypriots. The ultimate judge is the common man and the sovereign people before whom I bow.''
CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY
British PM: Cypriots want progress soon
British Prime Minister Gordon Brown has said that Cypriots have shown clearly, with their choice at the presidential elections, that they want a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus question or progress towards this direction in the coming months.Brown’s remarks came in response to questions at the House of Commons, when he was invited to congratulate Demetris Christofias. Brown congratulated Christofias, noting that he extended an invitation to Christofias to pay an official visit to the UK and to discuss with him these matters. ''I believe there are new hopes that it is possible to achieve such a settlement,'' he added.
COMMENTARY
ECONOMIST
A Communist to the rescue
A new Greek-Cypriot president raises hopes for a new unification plan
“Might Cyprus replace Cuba as a holiday spot for starry-eyed Marxists? Demetris Christofias, leader of the Communist Akel party, comfortably won the run-off for president on February 24th, taking 53.4% to 46.6% for Yiannakis Kassoulides, a right-wing former foreign minister. Yet Mr Christofias, a builder's son educated in Moscow, is no red firebrand. He owed his victory to support from the nationalists, with whom he will be in coalition. He has abandoned Akel's Eurosceptic position (it tried to delay Cyprus's adoption of the euro this year) and promised to avoid tax rises. His party is business-friendly: it runs co-operative banks offering cheap mortgages, and Moscow-trained party members earn fat salaries working for accounting and law firms that look after Russian offshore companies. Voters are more interested in hopes that Mr Christofias will make a fresh effort to unify the Greek- and Turkish-Cypriot parts of the island, split since 1974, when Turkey invaded in the wake of an Athens-inspired coup aimed at uniting Cyprus with Greece. Various peace initiatives have failed mainly because of opposition from Rauf Denktash, founder of the self-styled Turkish republic of northern Cyprus. Hopes lifted the moment that Tassos Papadopoulos, the nationalist Greek-Cypriot president, was knocked out unexpectedly in the election's first round. Mr Papadopoulos had persuaded voters in 2004 to reject a unification plan backed by Kofi Annan, then United Nations secretary-general. A huge “no” vote a week before Cyprus joined the European Union meant that the Turkish-Cypriots were excluded, even though they had overwhelmingly backed the plan in a separate vote. Mr Papadopoulos's defeat brought sighs of relief in Brussels. He had infuriated other EU countries by exploiting his membership to press Turkey into concessions over Cyprus. Eurocrats were irritated by a Greek-Cypriot campaign against EU-funded projects in the isolated north. Now, with pro-settlement leaders on both sides for the first time, the odds of a deal have improved. Mehmet Ali Talat, a moderate left-winger who replaced Mr Denktash as Turkish-Cypriot president, is as keen as Mr Christofias to try again. Contacts between Greek- and Turkish-Cypriot politicians withered under Mr Papadopoulos, but Mr Talat's party has kept in touch with Akel through trade-union leaders. Direct talks under UN auspices on confidence-building measures should be the first step, say diplomats. Opening more border crossings, including one in Nicosia's main shopping district, is a priority. But it will be hard to find a deal that both allows the two communities to run their day-to-day affairs and gives Greek- and Turkish-Cypriots a chance to use or sell homes and land in the other half of the island. Turkey will also have to agree to pull out most of its 30,000 troops in the north. There are plenty of obstacles ahead. Mr Talat is hampered by having to be guided by Ankara on big issues. Mr Christofias could find his nationalist partners, egged on by Mr Papadopoulos, unwilling to make concessions. UN officials, anxious to avoid a repeat of the 2004 fiasco, will set tough terms before putting any plan forward. To pull off a deal, Mr Christofias will need all the persistence he once learnt at political-science school in Moscow.”
CYPRUS MAIL
Christofias should use good will to mend fences by Cyprus Mail
“If anyone had any doubt about the depth of diplomatic isolation into which Tassos Papadopoulos had dug himself, it will swiftly have been dispelled this week, with the broad international welcome given to his successor Demetris Christofias.The turnaround is all the more striking given Christofias’ participation in the Papadopoulos government, his personal responsibility for swinging the ‘no’ to the Annan plan through his bizarre “soft no to cement the yes”, and his grotesquely anachronistic Communist rhetoric and political imagery. This after all is the man who branded Britain as the evil demon that had tormented Cyprus throughout its history, who regularly raged against Anglo-American imperialism, and who has warned against neo-liberal forces of global capitalism tearing through the European Union. One may have been entitled to expect him treated with about as much enthusiasm as Hugo Chavez. Instead, within hours he had been invited to talks in London by Prime Minister Gordon Brown, and had received warm messages of congratulation from US President George W Bush (welcoming the election of a Communist!) and from the European Commission, as well as from many other European leaders. In five years, the closest Tassos Papadopoulos got to the British Prime Minister was at European summits, while his official visits were hardly a roll call of Europe’s great powers. That Gordon Brown is so swiftly extending the hand of friendship to the man who railed against the “evil demon” is a sign of how personal the isolation of Tassos Papadopoulos had become. It shows that the international community has no axe to grind against the Greek Cypriots; that it fully respects the community’s ‘no’ to the Annan plan. That the world had come to resent was the unremitting bad faith of Mr Papadopoulos, his trench warfare against any attempt to take the slightest step forward, his utter contempt for the Turkish Cypriots and for any effort to relaunch the solution process. What they are welcoming in President Christofias is his repeated desire for a solution and the mandate given by the fact that more than 60 per cent of the electorate voted for pro-solution candidates in the first round of the elections. President Christofias starts his term with a remarkable reservoir of good will from the international community, and the opportunity to reverse the isolation of the Greek Cypriots. Indeed, his decision to appoint European Commissioner Marcos Kyprianou will consolidate the impression that he is serious both about mending fences and negotiating a solution. But he cannot be complacent. Were he to slide back into the comfort zone of empty rhetoric and sterile disputes over procedures and semantics, such good will would fade away as swiftly as the early morning mist. No one expects him to deliver a solution. But he is expected to engage with sincerity, vision and good will.”
THE HERALD
Hope springs anew for Europe’s divided island by STRUAN STEVENSON
“The surprise election victory of former Communist Party chief Demetris Christofias as President of Cyprus may signal an end to the divisions that have split the island since the Turkish invasion of 1974... Papadopoulos, who led the 2004 rejection of the UN reunification plan, was beaten into third place in the first round of elections on February 17, leaving Kasoulides and Christofias to fight it out. The people of Cyprus were so determined to seek a solution to their divided society that they ignored Christofias's communist past. Christofias's victory is the clearest sign yet that Greek Cypriots, particularly the young, were eager to elect a President who sought reconciliation and reunification with Turkish northern Cyprus... 2500 Turkish Cypriots cross daily the green line to work in southern Cyprus, returning to their homes each evening. It is their earnings and a gradually expanding tourist trade that keep Turkish Cyprus going. But what causes real resentment among Greek Cypriots is the way Turkey has sought to re-populate northern Cyprus by bringing thousands of Turkish settlers. The other festering sore is the issue of missing people. Some 1500 Greek Cypriots and 500 Turkish Cypriots are officially registered as missing. Some date back to the fighting between the communities in the 1960s... The pledge of President Christofias is to try to end this pain and heal the wounds. He wants to bring Turkish and Greek Cypriots together around the negotiating table so a plan for reunification can be thrashed out. He sees the future for Cyprus as a reunited federal state and a member of the EU. He claimed throughout his election campaign that the overwhelming majority of Turkish Cypriots shared this vision and longed for reunification. Now that he has won the presidency, the world will watch as he endeavours to realise his dream and put his words into action.”
Struan Stevenson is a Conservative Euro MP for Scotland and vice-president of the EPP-ED Group in the European Parliament.
2.28.2008
Intervista sulle presidenziali a Cipro e le prospettive della riunificazione
Negotiations May Start Soon in Cyprus
TRNC NEWS HEADLINES
28 ŞUBAT 2008
PRESIDENT TALAT: “COMPREHENSIVE NEGOTIATIONS MAY BEGIN IN APRIL”
President Mehmet Ali Talat informed that in the event the United Nations (UN) takes initiative, comprehensive negotiations may begin in April. Talat pointed out that the Annan Plan will serve as a primary reference within the negotiations. Expressing of how the UN General Secretary must take initiative for a solution to occur, Talat added, “If the UN General Secretary takes initiative, this job will either finish or it will finish.” President Talat renewed his statement that division will be made permanent in the event that there is no solution.
President Talat stated that the European Union (EU) is a mechanism of cooperation and is not a guarantor for anyone and underlined that the EU could not fulfil the role of guarantor for them. Stating, “We have seen the guarantor-ship of the EU”, Talat reiterated that the EU has for 3 years held the Direct Trade Agreement on the agenda with no progress, and added that the European Union who could not execute statute could not be a guarantor.
Upon the reminding of the statement made by Hristofyas before the elections which was to the effect; “We do not want the Turkish military nor do we want its guarantee”, Talat expressed, “Statements such as “I don’t want one Turk” or “I refuse Turkish guarantor-ship” in actual fact means “I don’t want a solution””, and concluded by stating that agreements of guarantee and alliance are international agreements and that altering international agreements will exceed the capabilities of the Greek Cypriot side.
KAYALP: “THE REPORT IS PLEASING WITH REGARD TO BALANCE”
Mayor of Famagusta , Oktay Kayalp, stated that despite its points of objection, the draft report of Varosia prepared by the Appeal Committee of the European Parliament (EP), was balanced in its primary points and expressed his expectation that this balance is reflected within the final report. Kayalp pointed out that the draft report invokes the remittance of Varosia through a comprehensive settlement, and reported that this is a pleasing development. Kayalp mentioned of the diffidence of the Greek Cypriot lobby in having the draft report accepted with its current state, and concluded that the arbitration of the report is a political tactic aiming to win time.
Let's Set This Thing in Motion in Cyprus!
NICOSIA TURKISH MUNICIPALITY
New Town Hall, Atatürk Street, Nicosia, Cyprus
Phone: (0392) 2285221, Fax: (0392) 2284387
e-mail: nicosia@kibris.net
Press Statement
An offer from Bulutoğluları to Hristofyas; “Delegate authority to Mavrou in order to open the Ledra Gate.”
The Mayor of the Nicosia Turkish Municipality (NTM) Cemal Bulutoğluları commented on important topics about the Ledra Gate in a TV programme that he attended today.
Bulutoğluları called on to Dimitris Hirstofyas, who won the Greek Presidency elections on Sunday, to become active about the opening of the Ledra Gate.
The Mayor Bultuoğluları indicated that, as a peace-seeking President, Dimitris Hristofyas should become active on opening the Ledra Gate as an indication of goodwill and use this opportunity to prove his sincerity.
Cemal Bulutoğluları indicated that they talked with President Mehmet Ali Talat before, about opening of the Ledra Gate, they agreed on this subject and that President Talat delegated authority to him for opening the Gate. The Mayor pointed that likewise, Dimitris Hristofyas should meet with the Mayor of Nicosia Greek Municipality, Eleni Mavrou to delegate her the necessary authority for opening the Gate.
Emphasizing that the former Greek leader Tassos Papadopoulos always created problems about the Ledra Gate, the Mayor Bulutoğluları indicated that in case of creating the same problems, Hristofyas will have no difference whatsoever with the former leader.
Hoping that Eleni Mavrou and Dimitris Hristofyas will immediately start the works about Ledra, Bulutoğluları stated that they are ready for the opening of the Gate and that it should be known that the attitude of the Nicosians is very clear on the topic.
Call for Solidarity
Furthermore, Mayor Bulutoğluları connnoted in his speech that maintaining consensus in international relations is very important in the new peace process ahead and he called all political parties and civil society for solidarity. Reminding that the Nicosia Turkish Municipality has numerous and strong contacts with the foreign embassies in Cyprus, Bulutoğluları reiterated the importance of solidarity in foreign policy towards the solution of the Cyprus problem. The Mayor of the Nicosia Turkish Municipality underlined that if and when all chances for solution and reunification will be exhausted, then the goal should be to work towards the recognition of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.
New Government in Cyprus
Greek Cypriot Media Review
Christofias will be formally sworn in today at a ceremony at the House of Representatives this afternoon, and had wanted to have his government in place before then.
The new ministers formally take up their posts tomorrow.
According to an announcement CyBC received from the President’s staff, they will be as follows.
Foreign Minister – Markos Kyprianou (note: former Finance Minister under Papadopoulos and ex-Diko MP who was Cyprus’ commissioner in Brussels for the past four years. EDI’s Androulla Vassiliou will replace him in Brussels).
Finance– Charilaos Stavrakis (non-party, a senior official at the Bank of Cyprus and chairman of the EAC)
Interior – Neoklis Sylikiotis (leading Akel member who served in the same post under the Papadopoulos government until Akel quit after Christofias announced his candidacy in the presidential elections)
Defence – Costas Papacostas (a former police chief and Akel MP)
Education – Andreas Dimitriou (academic, currently dean of the Cyprus Technical University. Believed to be close to Akel)
Communication and Works – Nikos Nikolaides (an Edek member who is not widely known to the public)
Commerce and Industry – Antonis Paschalides (a Diko member, ditto)
Agriculture and Natural Resources – Michalis Polynikis (an Edek member, ditto)
Labour and Social Insurance – Sotiroulla Charalambous (Akel MP until her appointment)
Justice and Public Order – Kypros Chrysostomides (president of the Rampart for the Reformation of the Centre and elected to parliament on Akel’s list in the 2006 elections)
Health – Christos Patsallides (a Diko member who was Interior Minister in Papadopoulos’ last government).
Government Spokesman – Stephanos Stephanou (Akel member and spokesman for Christofias’ election campaign team).
Vassos Georgiou, who was the director of Christofias’ office when he was President of the House, now becomes director of his office at the presidential palace.
The post of director of the president’s diplomatic office – formerly filled by Tasos Tzionis – is abolished.
Former Foreign Minister Giorgos Iakovou will also be based at the presidential palace in the newly re-established post of presidential commissioner. It remains unclear what specific functions he will have. In the first half of the Papadopoulos presidency, there was a presidential commissioner for humanitarian affairs, Polakis Sarris, who dealt mainly with issues concerning the enclaved, but he was not replaced when he quit the post.
Initial assessment: Diko and Edek had wanted to be given ministries that are important in terms of wielding political influence because of their powers of appointment (or nepotism), such as Defence and Justice and Public Order, and have clearly been rebuffed.
And after publicly rejecting any interference in state education by the Church, Christofias also ignored Diko’s reported desire to be given the Education portfolio, appointing an academic close to Akel instead.
On the other hand, Diko gets its promised three ministries and Edek its two, but neither party has managed to promote senior figures from their parties to the cabinet, while the ministries they received, apart from Foreign Affairs, cannot be regarded as the frontline ones. Both parties appear to have paid the price for refusing to even discuss the possibility of supporting Christofias’ candidacy from the first round, only doing so when “forced to” in the second round.
In addition, the appoinment of Androulla Vassiliou to such a senior post marks a significant return to public life for EDI, who failed to enter parliament in the 2006 elections.
At the presidential palace, Christofias has clearly chosen to be surrounded by his close associates, such as Iacovou, Georgiou, and Stephanou, while Tzionis, as expected, is departing and presumably, will return to the Foreign Ministry.
Probblemoni
Oltre 100mila esemplari rischiano di morire di fame
New Delhi, 28 feb. (AP) - L''inverno rigido e la neve hanno ucciso
almeno 600 rare capre dell''Himalaya, famose per la produzione di
lana pashmina, anche detta cashmere, e migliaia di altri
esemplari rischiano di morire di fame a causa di uno degli
inverni peggiori mai registrati nella regione negli ultimi
decenni.
Oltre 100mila capre non sanno più cosa mangiare nella regione di
Ladakh, al confine con la Cina, dove le riserve di foraggio sono
ormai esaurite. A soffrirne sono gli animali più giovani e molte
femmine gravide hanno abortito.
Viene così messo a rischio il lucroso mercato della
pregiatissima lana cashmere. Le già care pashmine, gli scialli
creati col cashmere più pregiato, rischiano di raggiungere prezzi
stratosferici.
2.27.2008
Un Capezzone pacato
Noto solo che, pur con tutti i problemi che questi "democratici" hanno, nel programma del Pd qualche punto fermo a riguardo c'è, secondo voi dall'altra parte faranno altrettanto?
Interessante dibattito a Roma sul "genocidio degli armeni"
Professor Ataov ad Apcom: lobby armena è forte e controlla media
Di Jan Bernas
Roma, 27 feb. (Apcom) - Negare, negare, negare. Ovviamente sulla
base di approfondite ricerche e documenti storici. Questa la tesi
del professor Turkkaya Ataov a Roma in occasione del convegno "Le
relazioni turco-armene" a Palazzo Marini, organizzato da Quaderni
Radicali in collaborazione con l''Unione di amicizia
Italia-Turchia: "il genocidio degli armeni" del 1915 ad opera
dell''allora Impero Ottomano "non è mai esistito".
Specialista e autore di numerosi libri sull''argomento, Ataov
sostiene semplicemente che la tesi armena sia priva di qualsiasi
fondamento, "non supportata da alcun documento storico". "La
storia deve essere valutata attraverso fatti e fonti. La
questione armena è altamente politicizzata, mentre dovrebbe
essere libera da influenze interne e esterne", ha spiegato il
professore ad Apcom.
Questa controversa pagina della storia divide ancora Ankara e
Yerevan a distanza di quasi un secolo. Secondo l''Armenia il
genocidio ci fu e provocò la morte di circa 1,5 milioni di
persone. Ankara fa muro e contesta numeri e ragioni storiche. I
due Paesi hanno interrotto ogni rapporto diplomatico dal 1991.
Due anni dopo la Turchia ha chiuso anche la frontiera come
conseguenza della guerra del Nagorno Karabakh.
Secondo Ataov, non esiste alcun genocidio armeno. "Gli armeni
combattevano nella prima guerra mondiale contro l''Impero
ottomano. Uccisero e furono uccisi. In quella situazione malattie
e epidemie dilagarono e ovviamente colpirono indiscriminatamente
turchi e armeni". "E allora - si chiede il professore - per quale
motivo Ankara si dovrebbe sentire responsabile? Di cosa?".
A dispetto delle proteste di Ankara, la Francia ha riconosciuto
ufficialmente il genocidio degli armeni, punendo addirittura con
il carcere la sua negazione. Sulla stessa linea si era posto
anche il Congresso americano, provocando forti critiche da parte
turca. La questione per ora è stata rimandata a dopo le
presidenziali. Entrambi i candidati democratici Hilary Clinton e
Barack Obama hanno dichiarato di voler riconoscere il genocidio
in caso di vittoria. Se quindi il dossier è privo di qualsiasi
fondamento storico - come sostiene Ataov - perchè Parigi e
Washington dovrebbero riconoscere una non-verità? "Perchè le
lobby armene - spiega il professore - sono ricche a sufficienza
per controllare e influenzare i media. Negli USA non si può
neanche immaginare di venire eletti senza l''appoggio della lobby
armena negli States. Cosa ne sanno Obama e la Clinton degli
armeni e di cosa sarebbe successo quasi un secolo fa? niente".
La creazione di una commissione congiunta tra storici turchi e
armeni - così come annunciato dal presidente Erdogan - sembrava
potesse aprire la strada alla riconciliazione. Progetto che però
è affondato sul nascere. "Gli storici armeni non si sono
presentati. Non hanno documenti, ecco perchè. Il genocidio -
ribadisce Ataov - non c''è mai stato".
More News from Cyprus
President-elect outlines views to Security Council members
Christofias has sent a clear message to the five permanent members of the UN Security Council with regard to his positions on the search for a political settlement. Christofias outlined his views during meetings with the ambassadors of Russia, the US and China in Nicosia who communicated to him congratulations from their respective leaders and words of encouragement for progress towards a negotiated solution. “I conveyed the right message to the ambassadors and my wish to resume the dialogue with the Turkish Cypriots, but also stressed that such a dialogue must not revoke anything the Security Council has approved so far nor must discussions annul anything the leaders of the two communities have agreed,” he told the press after the meetings. He said it was necessary for him to explain again his positions and his vision with regard to future negotiations, that would reunite the country. Christofias will be sworn in on Thursday before the House plenary and officially, he will assume his duties on March 1. He is expected to announce the composition of his Cabinet on Friday, as consultations and meetings continue with the political parties that backed his presidential candidacy. Questioned by the press on this, he said he would work, as he has always done, with “consensus” to form his government but remained tight-lipped as to his plans on the make-up of his Cabinet.
CYPRUS MAIL
Cabinet speculation in full flow
Christofias yesterday continued negotiations in preparation for his new government. Starting early in the morning, Christofias spoke to DIKO leader Marios Karoyian over the phone and later met with EDEK president Yiannakis Omirou, both of whom have been presented with a list of ministries they will be given. Yesterday, Christofias failed to confirm Karoyian’s claims that his party had been promised the House Presidency as well as the Foreign Ministry in return for DIKO’s support for his candidacy. Although no names were officially announced by any party involved, media speculation continued to mount and a number of political personalities were linked to the new Cabinet. According to CyBC and online newsletter Offsite yesterday, AKEL official and campaign spokesman Stefanos Stefanou is being hotly tipped for taking on duties as the new Government Spokesman. EU Commissioner Markos Kyprianou is still favourite to take over the Foreign Ministry, but plans to replace him with Omirou were yesterday foiled when the EDEK leader officially turned the offer down. Electricity Authority chairman Charilaos Stavrakis and Neoklis Silikiotis are estimated to take over the Finance and Interior Ministries respectively, while the Defence Ministry is expected to go to either Antonis Koutalianos or Kypros Chrysostomides. Justice Minister Sophocles Sophocleous is said to be after maintaining his position, but the position is also said to be open for Chrysostomides. Sotiroulla Charalambous, Androulla Vassiliou and Praxoula Antoniadou have all been linked to the Labour Ministry, while former Health Minister Charis Charalambous is expected to take on his old duties. The Agriculture Ministry is expected to go to EDEK, while former Government Spokesman Vasilis Palmas and Antonis Koutalianos are being tipped for Communications Minister. The CyBC yesterday said the Education Ministry was being linked to Akis Kleanthous and Vasilis Palmas, but Offsite also mentions the Cyprus University of Technology (TEPAK) dean, Andreas Demetriou. The Trade Ministry is expected to be given to DIKO, but no names have been referred to yet. Regarding DISY leader Nicos Anastassiades’ announcement that his party planned to return to the National Council – DISY withdrew from in 2006 in protest at its “dysfunctional operation” – AKEL Spokesman Andros Kyprianou said DISY had been inexcusable for leaving and would be even more inexcusable if they failed to return. He also said that some of the names being touted in the media for various ministerial posts were so ridiculous they made him “laugh out loud”.
CYPRUS MAIL
DIKO denies list of Cabinet candidates or party split
DIKO leader Marios Karoyian last night denied the party had put forward a list of names it wanted included in Christofias’ Cabinet. “The Democratic Party has given no names to... Christofias. None at all,” he said. Karoyian, who is rumoured to be the next speaker of the House, said any whispers surrounding possible candidates for various ministries were a far cry from the truth. He said the party was still at the negotiation stage and would in the next day or two meet with Christofias to put forward its thoughts in the “controlled, serious and responsible” way that DIKO operated. Karoyian also denied all rumous of internal strife among the party’s hierarchy and reports that small factions had started forming. “I stand before you without a black eye or any tension or in any kind of bad mood,” he jested. Instead, he said, DIKO wanted to address how best to pave the way for a creative co-operation with Christofias for the good of the people and the Cyprus problem. Karoyian went a step further and denied that there had been any discussion regarding the sharing of spoils, which he said had been pronounced by some with great authority. He said this was a mentality that belonged to a time of old and no longer reflected DIKO’s attitude or behaviour. He also said no one, bar one person, had thought to cast shadows on the party. This was a clear dig at Nicos Cleanthous, who yesterday accused certain party members of opportunism. Finally Karoyian said the party had every intention of examining what went wrong during the first round of elections and to address what reasons contributed towards the failure of its candidate, outgoing President Tassos Papadopoulos, to go through to the second round. “Everyone has an opinion and they will all be put forward freely and recorded,” he said.
CYPRUS MAIL
Cleanthous lashes out at DIKO ‘opportunists’
DIKO deputy Nicos Cleanthous yesterday accused his party’s leadership of making opportunistic decisions to serve personal interests. The claims further fuelled reports over a rift in DIKO as well as a power struggle between Cleanthous and DIKO leader Marios Karoyian, to whom he lost the party’s presidency in 2006. As Alithia newspaper described the two conflicting DIKO camps, the pro-Tassians and the Karoyian team have disagreed over which of the party’s members should be appointed in the new government. “It appears that the collective bodies are not operating collectively,” Cleanthous told the Cyprus Mail yesterday. “We are talking phenomena of opportunism. I have become witness to the [DIKO] members’ anxious cries, before and after the elections. We are making our decisions opportunistically.” Cleanthous avoided specifying who his claims were being aimed at: “People can understand and judge for themselves. I don’t need to point any fingers,” he said, adding that it was his responsibility to spot and tackle these phenomena, “to save our political credibility”. Speaking earlier to the CyBC, Cleanthous admitted Tassos Papadopoulos’ exclusion from the second round of the elections had been a complete shock to DIKO. “For this reason it found us mainly unprepared. The unity was found in the people [of DIKO], who were put through the trial of, maybe with difficulty, voting for a left-wing president. But they acted consciously and instinctively to save the history and pride of this party,” said Cleanthous. In response, DIKO vice-chairman Nicos Pittokopitis made it clear that if party members wished to project their own policies, then they should distance themselves from the party and follow their own path. “If anyone has opinions, he can submit them to the party’s collective bodies, so we can be constructive and find the best possible solution for the new Cabinet,” said Pittokopitis. “All these statements, whoever they are originating from, do not contribute or offer to the peace and unity of the Democratic Party at this moment,” he added. “If any of us wants to make their own policies, there is another way: he separates his position from this party and moves ahead alone and makes his own decisions.” He pointed out that apart from the Foreign Ministry, there had been no other official announcements on which ministries DIKO would be getting, and so any speculation on Cleanthous’ behalf over who would be given which post was completely unfounded. DIKO leader Marios Karoyian also said that Cleanthous’ statements did not serve the party’s or the island’s best interests. Asked whether DIKO had been split into two camps, Karoyian said his party was as strong as ever and all would be discussed when the time was right. Meanwhile, DIKO’s youth movement NEDIK yesterday warned Cleanthous he was distancing himself from the party more and more every day. “From yesterday [Monday], Mr Cleanthous has launched an attack against the DIKO leadership for its failure in the first round of the presidential elections,” the movement announced. “We are wondering where Mr Cleanthous was during the first-round battle, fought by the leadership, officials and members of DIKO for Tassos Papadopoulos.” It added, “If of course Mr Cleanthous is still annoyed over his defeat in 2006 regarding the Democratic Party’s presidency, this does not mean he should express it by unfairly accusing the DIKO leadership in the press.”
TODAY’S ZAMAN
Expert suggests restoring old names in KKTC in show of goodwill
Following the election of left-wing AKEL General Secretary Demetris Christofias as the Greek Cypriot president, an international relations expert has recommended that adding the former Greek names of villages in northern Cyprus to signs would be a good first step by Turkish Cypriots in a peace and unification process on the island. "If the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus [KKTC] makes such a move, it would be a very good gesture at the beginning of the peace process. Those names had been used during the Ottoman and the Atatürk eras, until 1974. For instance, the name of Galatya Village, which Atatürk cared for very much, was changed in 1974 to Mehmetçik. Retaining its new name and also writing 'Old Galatya' on the village's sign is a good opportunity for the maintenance of peace and cultural values," said Associate Professor Mehmet Hasgüler, an international relations expert, in an interview with Today's Zaman. Giving a list of the villages whose names were changed in his book titled "Enosis in Cyprus and the End of Politics of Division," Hasgüler said by reintroducing the former names of these Turkish villages, the KKTC will show that it cares about protecting the culture. According to his findings, the names of 199 villages were changed in the KKTC. He stated that taking such a step would send a message to the UN about the good will of the Turkish Cypriot side. "I find it historically and culturally significant to add the word 'old' to the names of these villages, most of which were established as Turkish villages during Ottoman times. Such a step is important in showing the understanding of tolerance and civilization in Ottoman culture and the culture that took over its legacy. This will show that we are one of the real owners of these territories," Hasgüler noted. Commenting on the election of AKEL's Christofias, Hasgüler said administrations that support peace are at work on both sides of the island and that AKEL had not previously adopted a negative stance toward Turks. "AKEL has a clean report in this respect. It has for the first time received an opportunity by winning the presidency to put its calls for friendship and peace into practice," he noted. He also recalled that AKEL had defended a federative structure on the island ever since 1975, noting that the new period may offer a remarkable platform for seeking solutions on the island.
Tuesday, February 26
FINANCIAL TIMES
Cypriot president under pressure to act fast on unity
Demetris Christofias, Cyprus's first communist president, stressed in his election campaign that he wanted to "build bridges" between Greek and Turkish Cypriots. Just before he was proclaimed president on Sunday night, at a football stadium crammed with supporters waving as many red flags as Cypriot ones, Mr Christofias received a congratulatory phone call from Mehmet Ali Talat, the Turkish Cypriot president. "We foresee a productive co-operation," he told the crowd. But Mr Christofias still has to convince the international community and Turkish Cypriots that he is serious about reaching a political deal to re-unify the island. "He [Mr Christofias] has to move fast to show that he's committed to a settlement and also that he's no longer a eurosceptic but a co-operative European politician," said Philip Savvides, an analyst based in Athens... But power-sharing with the Democrats, who have strongly opposed resuming bi-communal talks, may constrain Mr Christofias when it comes to showing flexibility, according to analysts. Diplomats said the first steps towards reconciliation should be relatively simple: an informal meeting with Mr Talat - a strong advocate of re-unification - arranged by United Nations officials, followed by a few key confidence-building measures. One such move would be to open a border crossing to unite the Greek and Turkish Cypriot halves of Ledra Street, a main shopping area in central Nicosia. Once the goodwill gestures are made, however, the peace process becomes more complicated. Mr Christofias's decision to share power with the nationalist Greek Cypriot faction, and the pressure the Turkish government may exert on Mr Talat, whose administration relies on Ankara's support, means building trust will be hard. UN officials have made clear it is up to the Greek and Turkish Cypriot leaders to make a joint request for the UN secretary-general's "good offices" before a new initiative can be launched.
REUTERS
Turk Cypriot leader says solution possible in 2008
Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat said on Tuesday the election of a new Cypriot president offered a last chance for reunification and he believed a "solution" could be found by the end of 2008. President Demetris Christofias has pledged to relaunch efforts to reunite the ethnically divided Mediterranean island, which is a hurdle to Turkey's hopes of joining the European Union. "A new phase of negotiations may start by about April," Talat told Reuters in an interview. "We have every reason to expect a solution by the end of the year.”...A communist party leader who says he will not tamper with the island's market economy, Christofias rode a wave of discontent with his predecessor's hardline policies towards Turkish Cypriots to win Sunday's runoff election. Talat said his victory offered hope after five wasted years during which the two sides grew further apart. A U.N. team was due on Cyprus by April to assess how willing the two sides were to negotiate. "Time is very limited," Talat said. "In the next couple of years we must use this window of opportunity because it may be the last one. I really believe that." Talat said a solution hinged on the willingness of Greek Cypriots to share power with Turkish Cypriots on an equal basis. "We must show our real intentions," he said. "For us, political equality is a top priority." He said the 2004 UN plan, which Turkish Cypriots approved but Greek Cypriots rejected in a referendum, was the last proposal on the table and things will have to start from there. Christofias has said that plan is history. "Any negotiation process starts from where it was last left," Talat said. As the years go by, even Turkish Cypriots are becoming more used to their status and may not offer popular support to a solution, he said...
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Turkish Cypriot leader sees solution
The decades-long division of Cyprus could be resolved by the end of the year, the leader of the breakaway Turkish Cypriots said Monday. The remarks came a day after Greek Cypriots elected Dimitris Christofias as president after he campaigned on a pledge to quickly restart long-stalled talks to reunify the island. "It is very possible to find a solution by the end of the year," Mehmet Ali Talat told The Associated Press... The division is a major source of tension between NATO allies Turkey and Greece and decades of diplomatic efforts to heal the rift on the strategic island have failed. Reunification would remove one of the obstacles to Turkey's efforts to join the European Union and could ease strong objections to Kosovo's new independence among Greek Cypriots, who fear it would act as a precedent for north Cyprus. Talks have been stalled since Greek Cypriots rejected a U.N. reunification plan in 2004. Turkish Cypriots approved the blueprint. Christofias' election Sunday, after the ouster of hardline Tassos Papadopoulos in a surprise first-round election, has sparked hope for eventual healing of the division. "The Greek Cypriot people decided on change. They chose a person who can make that change," Talat said. "We believe this decision will be the start of a new era." The U.S. believes "2008 offers a window of opportunity for significant progress," the Embassy in Nicosia said. Christofias has pledged to meet with Talat, with whom he shares the same left-wing political ideology and has had friendly relations in the past. No date has been set for a meeting. "At least he is somebody who is not denying the role of the Turkish Cypriot leader in a solution and he doesn't deny to meet the Turkish Cypriot leader," Talat told the AP in a reference to Papadopoulos. Talat said Papadopoulos declined to meet "even to have a coffee." Talat said it was enough that there was momentum in the peace process at last, though he acknowledged that difficult negotiations lie ahead. "We are ready to find a solution to this problem. We will be flexible, we will work in good faith and we will be always active," he said. "We believe that a solution is possible ... for the benefit of both the Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots." Christofias said he hoped to set up an initial, "exploratory" meeting with Talat soon. "Naturally, the U.N. will be involved as usual, and I believe that soon we will arrange a first exploratory meeting," he said. Christofias said he would first go to Athens next week, and then to Brussels before returning home. Christofias, a Soviet-educated 61-year-old history professor, heads the communist-rooted AKEL party and has long had friendly ties with the Turkish Cypriot left wing... British Foreign Secretary David Miliband said the vote "generated a renewed sense of hope - among both communities on the island - that progress toward a comprehensive settlement can be achieved during 2008."
CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY
Christofias: solution prospects also depend on Turkey
Christofias believes that a lot depends on Turkey as far as efforts to solve the Cyprus question are concerned. He also believes that Turkish Cypriots have expectations and that both he, as Cyprus President and leader of the Greek Cypriot community, and the leader of the Turkish Cypriot community Mehmet Ali Talat have a responsibility to bring about results. “There is an expectation in the Turkish Cypriot community as well. Talat and I have a responsibility to sort things out. I agree with them. We have to find the necessary understanding,” Christofias said speaking at a farewell ceremony at the House of Representatives as he leaves his post of House President to assume the duties of the President of the Republic. The fact remains that “a lot depends on Turkey and Talat and I need to sort things out,” he noted. “I have promised the people a more just society, much has already been achieved in this direction but I believe that more can be done, things can improve and this is what I have said in my programme of governance, which the people have endorsed,” he stressed. Christofias assured that as President of the Republic he will make every effort to solve the Cyprus question so that the people, who have been suffering so much, are vindicated. “I will make every effort to reunite the country on the basis of principles and to see the human rights of all Cypriots, Greek Cypriots, Turkish Cypriots, Maronites, Armenians and Latins respected,” he added. Addressing the House staff, he thanked everybody warmly for all their work during his term in office, saying “our cooperation for the past seven years has been friendly and productive.” “The Executive is firmly linked to the Legislative and one cannot survive without the other,” he pointed out, promising that this cooperation will continue. A clearly moved Christofias said he would miss the good times he has shared with his staff.
CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY
Klavdios Mavrohannas to replace Christofias as MP
Klavdios Mavrohannas will take office as MP, being the first runner up, replacing Christofias. Mavrohannas, who was born in Kormakitis, is the runner up in Kyrenia district, in the 2006 parliamentary elections. He will be sworn in before the House plenary on 6th of March 2008.
CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY
Christofias sends message to Commission President
Christofias said on Tuesday that he had met earlier in the day with Cypriot Commissioner for Health Marcos Kyprianou, before the latter departed for Brussels, to convey a message to Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso. ''Mr. Kyprianou has departed for Brussels and I had to send some messages to Mr. Barroso,'' Christofias said, adding that ''I saw Mr. Kyprianou and we spoke about them.'' Speaking after a meeting with President of the Movement of Social Democrats EDEK Yiannakis Omirou, whose party supported him in the runoff presidential election, Christofias said Omirou had handed him a list of names for possible ministers of the new government, adding that he also met with Democratic Party (DIKO) President Marios Karoyan, whose party also supported him in the second round of the elections. Christofias praised the stance of Omirou and noted that it was up to the President of the Republic to decide who he would be appointing as members of the cabinet. ''We are discussing. I am not holding a list,'' he said. Replying to questions regarding the National Council, Christofias said he did not wish to make any comments at the moment and assured he would proceed in a responsible manner. ''I will address the House of Representatives' plenary and I will touch upon all these issues,'' he pointed out. Referring to his meeting with Karoyan and asked if the parties that supported him in the runoff election were ''pressurising'' him regarding their participation in the new government, Christofias said ''I am not that easy to pressurise.'' Asked if Karoyan had also given him a list of names, Christofias said everything has taken its course and noted that he would be announcing the formation of his cabinet as soon as he has made his final decisions.
CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY
Putin expects ties with Cyprus to develop further
Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed the conviction that his country’s relations with Cyprus will be enhanced and said bilateral cooperation can contribute to peace and stability in Europe. In a letter to congratulate Christofias on his election victory, Putin said he is convinced that “the friendly relations with Cyprus will develop further on a bilateral level as well as on international issues.” The letter was delivered today to Christofias by Russian Ambassador her Andrey Nesterenko, who said President Putin expressed hope that “the multi-faceted cooperation between the two countries on the political and the social arena will contribute to peace, stability and security in Europe and in the world at large.” “Russia will continue to play an active role in efforts to find a negotiated settlement in Cyprus,” Nesterenko told the press after the meeting. He said Moscow believes that “after Sunday’s presidential elections there are new opportunities to resume the dialogue on a Cyprus solution to the benefit of the island’s two communities, Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot.” On a UN-brokered agreement in July 2006, the Ambassador said the process to implement the agreement must continue because this provides the fundamental principles and is supported by the five permanent members of the Security Council. “We hope that at long last, this formula will be put in place and we expect to hear that direct contact between the two communities resumes,” he added.
CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY
China supports viable Cyprus solution
Chinese Ambassador to Cyprus Zhao Yali reaffirmed here today his country’s firm support for a viable and functional political settlement in Cyprus. Speaking after a meeting with President elect Demetris Christofias, the Ambassador said “China as a permanent member of the UN Security Council, China supports every efforts aiming at a functional solution in Cyprus which must take into account the concerns and the interests of the Greek Cypriots and the Turkish Cypriots.” He said he had a “friendly and productive meeting” and congratulated Christofias on his election victory, while the two men reaffirmed the excellent friendly relations between the two countries. The Ambassador said these relations, though excellent, can improve even more in all fields. “I assured the President of our firm support on the question of Cyprus. We support firmly and consistently the position of principles relating to the sovereignty, the territorial integrity and the independence of Cyprus,” he added. Closing his brief remarks, he expressed hope that a solution can be found within the UN framework, on the basis of UN resolutions.
CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY
Sarkozy assures Christofias of French support
French President Nicolas Sarkozy has assured Christofias that France, in its capacity as permanent member of the UN Security Council, would assist efforts towards a political settlement of the question of Cyprus. In a letter to Christofias, Sarkozy congratulated him on his election to the Presidency and wished that during his term in office Christofias will be able to achieve a viable and just settlement of the Cyprus question, which will be in line with international law. “A settlement, which both Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots have been expecting for a very long time,” the letter noted. Sarkozy assured Christofias that France will always support efforts towards this direction and will always be willing to offer its help, especially within the framework of the UN Security Council. “During the execution of your high duties which the people have entrusted in you, you can rely on the help and friendship of France,” Sarkozy added. He referred to the long standing historical bonds between France and Cyprus, that go back more than eight centuries, noting that the two countries maintain relations of trust and closeness that were renewed after Cyprus’ accession to the EU and its participation in the institutions of Francophonie. “I hope that during the coming years these bonds will continue to develop both at the bilateral and multilateral level,” he said. Sarkozy said he is particularly happy that he will welcome President Christofias in Paris in July, when the EU French Presidency will start. “I reiterate my warm congratulations on you elections and my personal wishes for a successful term in office and I ask you, Mr. President, to accept the assurance of my high appreciation,” he concluded.
CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY
Bush wants close cooperation with Cyprus President-elect
US President George Bush has sent a congratulatory letter to Christofias, noting the desire of the US government to keep cooperating closely with the government of Cyprus on a wide range of bilateral issues and in the search for a settlement. Speaking after a meeting with Christofias, US Ambassador to Cyprus Ronald Schlicker said that Christofias assured him that he had similar intentions as regards bilateral relations. “Today I had the pleasure of meeting with President elect Christofias and the honour of presenting to him a letter from President Bush congratulating the President elect on his election, noting the desire of the US government to keep cooperating closely with the government of the Republic of Cyprus on a wide range of bilateral issues and of course as the most important issue in the search for a settlement that will reunify the island,” the US Ambassador said. He added that Christofias assured him that “that he had similar intentions toward our relationship and we agreed to keep in touch and make very real and very practical the desires expressed in the letter and then the President elect responded to the letter.” Asked about a possible new initiative on Cyprus, the Ambassador expressed hope that the contacts between Christofias and Talat will produce a situation in which the UN track moves forward very quickly. “I think the UN has its own ideas about how to move forward as well. I think the international community is sending many notes of encouragement to the parties to get a process back on track and of course there is a body of UN work that will help the parties do that. We need to get to a substantive engagement of the issues as soon as possible and the parties and the UN are very capable of doing that,” Schlicker said, adding that “all of the different political events of the last year that arguably have slowed down the process are now complete. We don’t have to devote any attention to that. So let’s all devote our attention to getting back to negotiations”. Replying a question regarding the 8 July Agreement, Schlicker said “the agreement is there and it’s a vehicle to be used.” “ It provides a procedure by which the parties can engage but engagement itself is necessary but what they really need to engage in is not just the preparatory work but the substance of the issues so we need to find a way to using the available vehicles to get to substance as soon as possible,” he added. Responding to questions on the parties’ convergence on this, he said “that’s up to the two parties and the UN to define. I think they are perfectly capable of getting together and coming up with a mutually agreed basis of engagement and we think that they need to do so as soon as possible.” The Ambassador said that at this stage he had no information on a possible trip to Cyprus by the Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Matthew Bryza.
CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY
Greece stands firmly by Cyprus
Greece will stand by Cyprus in its struggle to end the continuing “Turkish occupation” and to reunite the country, Greek Premier Costas Karamanlis has said. In a reply letter to Papadopoulos, Karamanlis expressed satisfaction for the “excellent cooperation” between the two leaders and “the personal friendship” they have enjoyed. “I can assure you that Greece will remain firmly by your side in the struggle to end the Turkish occupation and to reunite the island, in the framework of a functional and viable, bizonal, bicommunal solution,” Karamanlis says in his letter, in reply to Papadopoulos’ letter dated 21st of February.
COMMENTARY
FINANCIAL MIRROR
EDITORIAL: A new era for Cyprus?
“Now that the dust has settled from the longest election campaign Cypriots were ever tormented to, the sixth president of the Republic finds himself in front of momentous decisions. For now, his priorities seem to be in good order, preparing to embark on an international tour to defend himself against arguments that feared a communist taking over as head of state. On the political front the new chief executive has to convince the public on both sides of the divide that he is genuinely keen on resolving the Cyprus problem. Despite the old camaraderie between Demetris Christofias and Mehmet Ali Talat, the Turkish Cypriots are a bit hesitant as the communist AKEL party was not forthcoming in supporting the 2004 peace plan. On the other hand, Talat has repeatedly stated that he follows the policies set out by Ankara. Christofias has to convince the Turkish government that it can no longer blame the Greek Cypriots for intransigence and has to abide by new initiatives if it wants to have any hopes of securing a favourable review from the EU next year. Should the political issue be the only concern in any Cypriot’s mind? Unfortunately, yes, as the economy, social welfare, industrial progress, shipping, farming, education and tourism and so much more depend on getting Cyprus out of the quagmire it is presently stuck in. Here, Christofias could find an ally in DISY if only he can disengage from the hard line of outgoing Tassos Papadopoulos. The main opposition party, that has pledged to return to the president’s advisory National Council, should help open doors in Brussels through the dominance of the European Popular Party of which DISY is a leading member. This is the only way we can overcome the Greek Cypriot “isolation” of recent years. Once we get the ball rolling, Cyprus could find itself in better days. A stable political situation could force Turkey to reconsider its excessive military presence on the island, something that will relieve the Cyprus government’s budget through a shorter-term professional army. We can then get on with the economy. Unfortunately, despite the recent tax reform, for which AKEL claims part of the glory, all that the outgoing administration did from the outset five years ago was to blame all ills on the “previous administration” of Glafcos Clerides, disregarding the fact that so much was invested in that decade leading up to EU accession. The pensions reform is still outstanding, the Social Insurance Fund is near bankrupt and the ageing problem has not been addressed in the past five years. The boost to state coffers came from non-recurring injections in the form of the tax and property amnesties, the National Health Scheme is still to get off the ground, while the issue of corporatisation was not even raised for fear of violent reaction from the coalition’s main partner, AKEL. These are all matters that the new president must deal with, on the one hand maintaining the welfare state and the mixed economy as his principle concern, while on the other hand trying to prevent the flee of investors and international companies after a senior AKEL official admitted that corporate taxes would be raised. Until the, President Christofias needs to talk frankly about reform, meritocracy and corporate governance, while keeping public spending in check.”