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- Ελληνικά
The Government will continue to take initiatives towards creating a positive climate for the resumption of talks on the Cyprus problem, Government Spokesman Konstantinos Letibiotis said today.
In his statements to journalists, as part of his Media Briefing, the Spokesman reiterated the sincere will and determination of our side to resume negotiations on the basis of the agreed framework.
He added: "We will continue to take initiatives, as we have over the past 14 months, to help create a positive climate for the resumption of negotiations."
We have responded positively to Ms. Holguín's proposals for a joint meeting with Mr. Tatar or even for the two negotiators to meet in Ms. Holguín's presence, proposals that unfortunately have not been accepted by Mr. Tatar.
We believe that it is through dialogue that answers can be given to the concerns and worries of both Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots."
When asked, the Spokesman said that all our proposals and suggestions have not been accepted by Mr. Tatar.
Mr. Letybiotis also referred to the 14 measures of support for our Turkish Cypriot compatriots announced by the President of the Republic last January, as well as the recent conclusions of the European Council, which sent a clear message about the progress that can be made in Euro-Turkish relations through the corresponding progress in the Cyprus problem.
"These initiatives send a positive and constructive message to Turkey, in order to make the necessary progress, break the deadlock, resume negotiations and finally resolve the Cyprus problem."
In response to another question, the Spokesperson said: "What we welcome is the commitment of Ms. Holguín and the United Nations (UN) Secretary General (SG) himself to efforts to resume negotiations, to continue Ms. Holguín's contacts in Cyprus, in European Union (EU) capitals and in Ankara, and we believe that her stated willingness to continue efforts is a very positive signal."
Asked if he believes there is a difference of opinion between Ankara and the Turkish Cypriot leader, the Spokesman said: "We are well aware that the key to this effort, as has also been stated by Mr. Tatar, is Ankara. It is for this very reason that we believe that through Euro-Turkey, through our initiative and through the message that the European Council has sent, this mutually beneficial state of affairs can be achieved."
He also said that "our diplomatic efforts will not stop in our efforts to resume negotiations," adding that "this is the time for diplomacy, we must let diplomacy work."
He said that "it is the time for diplomacy, we must let diplomacy work."
He added that "it is the time for diplomacy, we must let diplomacy work. The message that we will send again publicly and that we have been sending continuously over these 14 months, through the initiatives we are taking, is that through dialogue - which we are seeking - within the agreed framework, any concerns will be addressed. A reunited Cyprus, in accordance with international law and EU principles and values, will be a Cyprus with more prospects and hope not only for its inhabitants but also for the whole region."
To a reporter's remark that Ms. Holguín constantly invokes civil society, while Ankara is responsible for the non-solution, the Spokesman said: "There is no doubt that in all our positions, in all our actions, we condemn the illegal invasion and occupation by Turkey. What I think Ms. Holguín means, and what she has stated repeatedly, is that we have to listen to what society is saying."
He added that "talking to society, particularly in all its spectrum, is in the right direction," and in response to another question, he said that there is no update so far on Ms. Holguín's next steps, beyond the meeting she will have in June with the UN Secretary General.
Asked if the Government is in contact with the Government of Lebanon on the migration issue, the Spokesperson replied in the affirmative, adding: "We have been following the issue of migration flows closely all the time, not only recently, but since taking office. For this, very concrete measures have been taken, the results of the management of the migration issue are tangible and we will continue with the same approach."
Asked to address criticisms of the President's attendance at events of political parties such as the Democratic Party and the Democratic Party, the Spokesman said: "The President of the Republic has been invited to events marking the 20th anniversary of Cyprus' accession to the EU. If invited by other political forces, as President of the Republic, he will attend."
Asked about the President's participation in European People's Party (EPP) congresses, the Spokesman said: "The President of the Republic, as President of all Cypriots, has participated in the EPP from the very first moment he took office."
Finally, asked what action the Head of the Cyprus Intelligence Service (CIS) has taken regarding the Service official allegedly involved in the Avvakum Monastery case, the Spokesman said: "Intelligence matters are not matters that are commented on in public."
(PM/EAth/NYAN)
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