Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 10-01-03

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

CONTENTS

[01] PRESIDENT CHRISTOFIAS CYPRUS SOLUTION

[02] LEADERS DIRECT TALKS MEETING

[01] PRESIDENT CHRISTOFIAS CYPRUS SOLUTION

Addressing the 16th Conference of the youth organization EDON, which was held here Saturday, President Christofias said, inter alia, that the solution of the Cyprus problem can be no other than a bizonal, bicommunal federation.

He stressed that this is a historic compromise and a big concession made by the Greek Cypriot community in order to end the Turkish occupation and settlement, adding that the solution of a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation is a necessity.

Christofias said that the bi-zonal, bi-communal federation is a solid basis for the achievement, under the circumstances, of a just, viable and functional solution, which will end the occupation and settlement and reunite the territory, the people, institutions and economy.

As he noted, the dilemma is clear: it is either a federal solution or partition, pointing out that ``the bi-zonal, bi-communal federation has been adopted by the United Nations, the European Union and other international organizations.

This type of solution, under these circumstances, he added, it is our shield against those who aim at a partition of the island and stressed that we must protect this shield.

He went on to say that within the framework of a federal solution, human rights and the fundamental freedoms of all the people can be restored and secured and conditions for lasting peace and security can be established.

He also assured that he would continue the titanic effort that he undertook since the first day he assumed office to reach a solution despite difficulties and problems with perseverance and consistency on the principles of the solution as well as with realism.

The achievement of a solution is our vision, he underlined.

Furthermore, he stressed that we will continue the international campaign we have launched so as the international community to turn towards Turkey and demand from it to reconsider negative policies and confederation approaches and to work towards a solution which will serve the well-understood interest of our people.

Cyprus President stressed that we will continue our efforts to achieve progress in the negotiations. Progress that will eventually lead to a solution on the basis of the UN resolutions for Cyprus, the international and European law, the High Level Agreements of 1977 and `79, so as Cypriots become the real masters in their own homeland.

The common homeland for Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots, ``he conluded.

President Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat have been engaged in UN-led direct negotiations since September 2008, with an aim to reunify the island. In mid January, they will begin intensified talks in a bid to make headway towards a solution.

[02] LEADERS DIRECT TALKS MEETING

At their first meeting of the New Year, which will take place at 4 p.m. in the United Nations Protected Area (UNPA) of Nicosia, the two leaders will discuss EU issues.

In a joint statement issued after their last meeting in 2009, the two leaders announced the dates of their intensified talks to be held in January 2010.

The meetings will take place on 11, 12, 13 and 18, 19, 20 of January at the residence of the UN Special Representative in the UN Protected Area.

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