Tweet
AS LONG AS TURKEY OCCUPIES CYPRUS, IT CAN NOT ENTER EU
Cyprus News Agency
May 24 2009
Nicosia, May 24 (CNA) - -President of the Republic of Cyprus Demetris
Christofias [Dhimitrios Khristofias] has stressed that as long as
the Turkish occupation of Cyprus continues, Ankara will not become
an EU member state.
President Christofias, who attended Sunday an event, hosted by
the Maronites' Archbishopric in Cyprus, to honour former Maronite
Archbishop Peter Gemayel, noted that despite difficulties he would
continue, with consistency, to struggle for a Cyprus solution and
reunification based on principles.
The solution of the Cyprus problem, he added, "must come from Cypriots
for Cypriots and be based on a bizonal, bicommunal federation with
political equality as defined in the relevant UNSC resolutions,"
he underlined.
Referring to Turkey, he said "we want Turkey to understand that
occupying countries can not consider themselves as democratic
countries asking to find a place in the European family. As long as
the occupation of Cyprus by Turkey continues and Turkey continues
its attitude, it can not become member of the EU."
"I am determined to continue the struggle for the achievement of
a mutually acceptable solution, a solution that would be for the
benefit of all Cypriots, Greek Cyrpiots, Turkish Cypriots, Maronites,
Armenians, Latins, that would terminate occupation, terminate Turkey's
policy to bring illegal settlers to Cyprus, and safeguard human rights
and fundamental freedoms for our people," he said.
Referring to former Maronite Archbishop of Cyprus, he said, "today
we honour a true friend, and we express our respect to him," adding
"I must make special reference to his concern for the survival of the
enclaved Maronites and the resolution of their problems as well as the
great interest he has shown regarding the struggle for the maintenance
of the holy sites and monuments of Maronites in the Turkish occupied
areas of Cyprus."
He also expressed certainty that the cooperation between the government
and the new Maronite Archbishop of Cyprus Youssef Antoine Soueif will
be as fruitful.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkey invaded and occupied its
northern third. President Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet
Ali Talat began UN-led direct negotiations for an agreed solution to
the Cyprus problem since September 2008 and so far held 29 meetings.
Cyprus News Agency
May 24 2009
Nicosia, May 24 (CNA) - -President of the Republic of Cyprus Demetris
Christofias [Dhimitrios Khristofias] has stressed that as long as
the Turkish occupation of Cyprus continues, Ankara will not become
an EU member state.
President Christofias, who attended Sunday an event, hosted by
the Maronites' Archbishopric in Cyprus, to honour former Maronite
Archbishop Peter Gemayel, noted that despite difficulties he would
continue, with consistency, to struggle for a Cyprus solution and
reunification based on principles.
The solution of the Cyprus problem, he added, "must come from Cypriots
for Cypriots and be based on a bizonal, bicommunal federation with
political equality as defined in the relevant UNSC resolutions,"
he underlined.
Referring to Turkey, he said "we want Turkey to understand that
occupying countries can not consider themselves as democratic
countries asking to find a place in the European family. As long as
the occupation of Cyprus by Turkey continues and Turkey continues
its attitude, it can not become member of the EU."
"I am determined to continue the struggle for the achievement of
a mutually acceptable solution, a solution that would be for the
benefit of all Cypriots, Greek Cyrpiots, Turkish Cypriots, Maronites,
Armenians, Latins, that would terminate occupation, terminate Turkey's
policy to bring illegal settlers to Cyprus, and safeguard human rights
and fundamental freedoms for our people," he said.
Referring to former Maronite Archbishop of Cyprus, he said, "today
we honour a true friend, and we express our respect to him," adding
"I must make special reference to his concern for the survival of the
enclaved Maronites and the resolution of their problems as well as the
great interest he has shown regarding the struggle for the maintenance
of the holy sites and monuments of Maronites in the Turkish occupied
areas of Cyprus."
He also expressed certainty that the cooperation between the government
and the new Maronite Archbishop of Cyprus Youssef Antoine Soueif will
be as fruitful.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkey invaded and occupied its
northern third. President Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet
Ali Talat began UN-led direct negotiations for an agreed solution to
the Cyprus problem since September 2008 and so far held 29 meetings.