Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 09-01-15

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From: The Cyprus News Agency at <http://www.cyna.org.cy>

CONTENTS

[01] ARCHBISHOP HOUSE PRESIDENT CYPRUS ISSUE

[02] HOUSE COMMITTEE MIDDLE EAST ACTION

[01] ARCHBISHOP HOUSE PRESIDENT CYPRUS ISSUE

In statements after their meeting, Garoyian said the Turkish side continues to submit proposals leading to a confederation at the negotiating table. The Archbishop said he listened to Garoyian and agreed with everything he had to say.

The Archbishop noted that ``all forces must unite, help the President of the Republic, especially now that he is engaged in talks and they must also clearly state their opinions, which will help the President to achieve the right solution, so that our people can survive in their homeland, an effort the Church will support``.

Garoyian said that ``we both agreed that the messages coming from the negotiations are not positive, due to Turkish intransigence,`` adding that ``the proposals submitted by the Turkish side at the negotiating table are proposals leading to a confederation`` and subsequently ``a non-functional, non-viable state.``

He added that ``the Turkish stance is worse than what it was in 2004`` and that for this reason ``one cannot be optimistic about the future course of the negotiations, unless the Turkish side realises that it cannot continue with this policy and behaviour.``

Referring to a dinner he had with US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs Matthew Bryza, the Archbishop said that the US official was ``disheartened,`` since ``he sees that there is no progress despite optimism.``

He added that he explained to Bryza that ``he should not expect the Church to urge the people to vote for a solution plan that will provide for the presence of Turkish troops in Cyprus with intervention rights or for illegal Turkish settlers.`` He noted however that one should look at the plight of those settlers who have married in Cyprus with a humanitarian approach.

The Archbishop also explained to Bryza that there were never religious differences in Cyprus either with the Turkish Cypriots or any other religious group.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. Peace talks, under UN auspices, are under way between the leaders of the Greek Cypriot and the Turkish Cypriot community with a view at finding a mutually agreement settlement.

[02] HOUSE COMMITTEE MIDDLE EAST ACTION

The decision was announced here Thursday by chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee Averof Neofitou in statements to the press on the conclusions of a visit a House delegation made in Syria this week. Neofitou stressed the need to make use of Cyprus accession to the European Union.

Neofitou said we have ascertained that on the Cyprus issue, Syria remains dedicated to issues of principle and the resolutions of the United Nations and supports these longstanding positions.

At the same time, he added, all members of the delegation have established that Turkey is gaining respect in the Arab world through the initiatives undertaken by its Prime Minister Recep Tayip Erdogan and Turkey on the Middle East. This has bridged the gap between the Arab countries and Turkey and unfortunately Turkey (whose troops continue to occupy Cyprus northern part) plays the role of a peace maker in the Middle East.

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