Cyprus-Forum.com

[halil]

Greek, Turkish Cypriot leaders to meet March 21

The Associated Press
Wednesday, March 12, 2008

NICOSIA, Cyprus: The leaders of the divided Mediterranean island of Cyprus agreed Wednesday to hold talks next week on reviving U.N.-backed reunification efforts.

Greek Cypriot President Dimitris Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat will meet on March 21, U.N. spokesman Jose Diaz said.

Their aides met Wednesday in the presence of U.N. special representative to the island, Michael Moller, to set the date and prepare the agenda for the talks, which will be held at a disused Nicosia airport inside the buffer zone that serves as the U.N. headquarters in Cyprus.

One of the main issues will be a potential deal to open new crossing points along the U.N.- controlled buffer zone dividing the island.

One will be at Ledra Street, a busy pedestrian shopping thoroughfare in the heart of Cyprus' capital, and the other at Limnitis in the northwest of the island. Ledra Street has come to embody the island's division, and opening a crossing there would be highly symbolic.

"I wish and hope that when I meet Mr. Talat, we can announce the opening of Ledra Street," Christofias told reporters before flying to Brussels to attend an EU summit.

Christofias said opening a crossing there will depend on the terms Talat sets.

"Let's be patient to see if (Ledra Street) will open, and if it opens under what terms. In any case, we haven't made any concession," Christofias said.

Strong Greek Cypriot opposition to Turkish troop patrols near Ledra Street scuttled a previous attempt to open a crossing there.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded the island in response to a coup by supporters of union with Greece. A breakaway Turkish Cypriot state in the north is recognized only by Ankara, which maintains 30,000 troops there.

The U.N.-patrolled buffer zone prevented Cypriots from moving between the two sides until five crossing points opened in 2003 after Turkish Cypriot authorities relaxed restrictions.

Tens of thousands of people flooded across in the first few days to see friends and homes they had been unable to visit for nearly 30 years. ID cards or passports are needed to cross from one side to the other.

Peace talks have been stalled since 2004, when Greek Cypriot voters rejected a U.N. settlement plan in a referendum. Turkish Cypriots had backed the plan.

A sticking point to restarting talks has been a Turkish Cypriot call to resume negotiations on the defunct plan.

Christofias instead wants to revive a dormant July 2006 U.N.-brokered deal that was meant as a starting point for new peace talks. Both sides agreed to the deal, but never made any progress.

"We insist that the starting off point for meetings and negotiations, if a serious effort to solve the Cyprus problem is to start, is the July 8 agreement ... there is nothing else on the table," Christofias said.

The election last month of the Communist-rooted Christofias has rekindled efforts to end Cyprus' 34-year-old division by favoring direct talks between the two communities.

Christofias defeated former President Tassos Papadopoulos, who had opposed a power-sharing plans promoted by the U.N., arguing they would hurt Greek Cypriot rights.

The island joined the European Union in 2004, but the bloc's benefits are only enjoyed by the internationally recognized Greek Cypriot south.

http://www.iht.com/bin/printfriendly.php?id=10974216

The Associated Press

Greek Cypriot President Dimitris Christofias

[DT.]

Greek, Turkish Cypriot leaders to meet March 21

The Associated Press
Wednesday, March 12, 2008

NICOSIA, Cyprus: The leaders of the divided Mediterranean island of Cyprus agreed Wednesday to hold talks next week on reviving U.N.-backed reunification efforts.

Greek Cypriot President Dimitris Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat will meet on March 21, U.N. spokesman Jose Diaz said.

Their aides met Wednesday in the presence of U.N. special representative to the island, Michael Moller, to set the date and prepare the agenda for the talks, which will be held at a disused Nicosia airport inside the buffer zone that serves as the U.N. headquarters in Cyprus.

One of the main issues will be a potential deal to open new crossing points along the U.N.- controlled buffer zone dividing the island.

One will be at Ledra Street, a busy pedestrian shopping thoroughfare in the heart of Cyprus' capital, and the other at Limnitis in the northwest of the island. Ledra Street has come to embody the island's division, and opening a crossing there would be highly symbolic.

"I wish and hope that when I meet Mr. Talat, we can announce the opening of Ledra Street," Christofias told reporters before flying to Brussels to attend an EU summit.

Christofias said opening a crossing there will depend on the terms Talat sets.

"Let's be patient to see if (Ledra Street) will open, and if it opens under what terms. In any case, we haven't made any concession," Christofias said.

Strong Greek Cypriot opposition to Turkish troop patrols near Ledra Street scuttled a previous attempt to open a crossing there.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded the island in response to a coup by supporters of union with Greece. A breakaway Turkish Cypriot state in the north is recognized only by Ankara, which maintains 30,000 troops there.

The U.N.-patrolled buffer zone prevented Cypriots from moving between the two sides until five crossing points opened in 2003 after Turkish Cypriot authorities relaxed restrictions.

Tens of thousands of people flooded across in the first few days to see friends and homes they had been unable to visit for nearly 30 years. ID cards or passports are needed to cross from one side to the other.

Peace talks have been stalled since 2004, when Greek Cypriot voters rejected a U.N. settlement plan in a referendum. Turkish Cypriots had backed the plan.

A sticking point to restarting talks has been a Turkish Cypriot call to resume negotiations on the defunct plan.

Christofias instead wants to revive a dormant July 2006 U.N.-brokered deal that was meant as a starting point for new peace talks. Both sides agreed to the deal, but never made any progress.

"We insist that the starting off point for meetings and negotiations, if a serious effort to solve the Cyprus problem is to start, is the July 8 agreement ... there is nothing else on the table," Christofias said.

The election last month of the Communist-rooted Christofias has rekindled efforts to end Cyprus' 34-year-old division by favoring direct talks between the two communities.

Christofias defeated former President Tassos Papadopoulos, who had opposed a power-sharing plans promoted by the U.N., arguing they would hurt Greek Cypriot rights.

The island joined the European Union in 2004, but the bloc's benefits are only enjoyed by the internationally recognized Greek Cypriot south.

http://www.iht.com/bin/printfriendly.php?id=10974216

The Associated Press

Greek Cypriot President Dimitris Christofias

whats wrong with that Halil? He's the president and he happens to be a Greek-Cypriot.

Its like saying African American president Obama.

[Kikapu]

What's the matter Halil, don't you like accurate statements.??

The International Respected News sources always writes what is what.

For example the following;

Occupation is called Occupation, and not keeping the peace.

Invasion is called Invasion, and not Intervention or peace operation.

President of Cyprus is called the President of Cyprus, and not Leader of the Greek Cyprus.

Leader of the Turkish Cypriots is called the Leader of Turkish Cypriots and not President of Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.

Just a few terms used that comes to mind. Isn't it nice to read news that states the facts rather than fiction.

This is what I meant by "Respected International News Sources".

[halil]

What's the matter Halil, don't you like accurate statements.??

The International Respected News sources always writes what is what.

For example the following;

Occupation is called Occupation, and not keeping the peace.

Invasion is called Invasion, and not Intervention or peace operation.

President of Cyprus is called the President of Cyprus, and not Leader of the Greek Cyprus.

Leader of the Turkish Cypriots is called the Leader of Turkish Cypriots and not President of Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.

Just a few terms used that comes to mind. Isn't it nice to read news that states the facts rather than fiction.

This is what I meant by "Respected International News Sources".

Nothing is wrong with Halil.......

It says Greek Cypriot President Dimitris Christofias .

It doesn't says Cyprus president ......

you see mates depends how you see the things .... they can write .....

most of the news agencies only they writes Greek/Turkish leaders .... go on protest the AP..... why they don't says president of Cyprus ?

Yaaaa friends some times things are not , the way you are thinking .....
your heads are always engaged with titles but mine is not . main subjuct of the news is important . you have get out from the news what the is the subject , what they are thinking or what is going on .... titles are nothing .... rest of the world knows .... who is who .... or what is the sutiation in Cyprus ..... from where to where they came .... and what is their aims .....
no one spoils others thinking ..... what you do is just complaining for everything ..... when you are insulting some one , you are always right ....
calling funy names to one community leader or people of the that community for you is right ....

[DT.]

What's the matter Halil, don't you like accurate statements.??

The International Respected News sources always writes what is what.

For example the following;

Occupation is called Occupation, and not keeping the peace.

Invasion is called Invasion, and not Intervention or peace operation.

President of Cyprus is called the President of Cyprus, and not Leader of the Greek Cyprus.

Leader of the Turkish Cypriots is called the Leader of Turkish Cypriots and not President of Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.

Just a few terms used that comes to mind. Isn't it nice to read news that states the facts rather than fiction.

This is what I meant by "Respected International News Sources".

Nothing is wrong with Halil.......

It says Greek Cypriot President Dimitris Christofias .

It doesn't says Cyprus president ......

you see mates depends how you see the things .... they can write .....

most of the news agencies only they writes Greek/Turkish leaders .... go on protest the AP..... why they don't says president of Cyprus ?

Yaaaa friends some times things are not , the way you are thinking .....
your heads are always engaged with titles but mine is not . main subjuct of the news is important . you have get out from the news what the is the subject , what they are thinking or what is going on .... titles are nothing .... rest of the world knows .... who is who .... or what is the sutiation in Cyprus ..... from where to where they came .... and what is their aims .....
no one spoils others thinking ..... what you do is just complaining for everything ..... when you are insulting some one , you are always right ....
calling funy names to one community leader or people of the that community for you is right ....

Once again Halil

whats wrong with that Halil? He's the president and he happens to be a Greek-Cypriot.

Its like saying African American president Obama.

[zan]

What's the matter Halil, don't you like accurate statements.??

The International Respected News sources always writes what is what.

For example the following;

Occupation is called Occupation, and not keeping the peace.

Invasion is called Invasion, and not Intervention or peace operation.

President of Cyprus is called the President of Cyprus, and not Leader of the Greek Cyprus.

Leader of the Turkish Cypriots is called the Leader of Turkish Cypriots and not President of Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.

Just a few terms used that comes to mind. Isn't it nice to read news that states the facts rather than fiction.

This is what I meant by "Respected International News Sources".

And then along comes Kikapolous ikos and tells us he is TC...Hahahahahahaaaaaaaa...Truth is such an elusive word to you dear heart

[Kikapu]

What's the matter Halil, don't you like accurate statements.??

The International Respected News sources always writes what is what.

For example the following;

Occupation is called Occupation, and not keeping the peace.

Invasion is called Invasion, and not Intervention or peace operation.

President of Cyprus is called the President of Cyprus, and not Leader of the Greek Cyprus.

Leader of the Turkish Cypriots is called the Leader of Turkish Cypriots and not President of Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.

Just a few terms used that comes to mind. Isn't it nice to read news that states the facts rather than fiction.

This is what I meant by "Respected International News Sources".

And then along comes Kikapolous ikos and tells us he is TC...Hahahahahahaaaaaaaa...Truth is such an elusive word to you dear heart :roll:

And to you Pinocchio, everything is a lie, unless of course it comes from your own mouth.!!

Ever wondered why you are called Pinocchio Zan.??

Surely your nose must have given you a clue by now.!!

Oh I have forgotten, just an another reality you want to overlook.

By the way, I just post what the news is in the International Arena. I do not write them. Perhaps you think otherwise Pinocchio.

[Kikapu]

Cyprus leader warns Turks not to stick to U.N. plan

By David Brunnstrom
Reuters
Friday, March 14, 2008


BRUSSELS: Cyprus's new President Demetris Christofias said on Friday it would not be possible to make progress this month on restarting reunification talks if the Turkish side stuck to a U.N. settlement blueprint.

Reunification talks stalled in 2004 when Greek Cypriots rejected the U.N. plan, which was accepted by the Turkish Cypriots.

Christofias, attending his first European Union summit after being elected last month, said there had been statements from Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat and Turkey that the Turkish-Cypriot side planned to table the U.N. plan.

"I hope that these statements are statements of tactics and they don't mean what they say, because if Mr Talat is going to insist on this position you understand that it is not so easy to overcome the deadlock," Christofias told a news conference.

He said he would be going into talks scheduled for March 21 "full of goodwill".

"I hope that the hand I give to Mr Talat will be taken and will be shaken," he said.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkish troops invaded in response to a brief coup by Greek-Cypriots at the urging of the military then ruling Greece. Its division along the truce line is an obstacle to Turkey's bid to join the EU.

Talat's last encounter with Christofias's predecessor, Tassos Papadopoulos, ended in failure in September 2007.

Analysts and diplomats say this may be the last chance to reunite the island in a federation.

Cyprus joined the EU soon after the reunification talks stalled and Brussels recognises the Greek-Cypriot controlled government in the south as the island's sole authority.

Only Turkey recognises the breakaway Turkish Cypriot state in the north.

The two sides agreed in 2006 to look at an incremental approach to negotiations, but that too has stalled because of disputes over its agenda.

Christofias has previously said he hoped for agreement to open more crossings along the truce line, but on Friday he rejected any possibility of lifting a de facto economic embargo on the north as called for by the European Commission.

"We say frankly to the Commission that the view of the Commission towards the lifting of the so-called embargo against the Turkish Cypriots is wrong," said Christofias.

"The Republic of Cyprus gives the opportunity to the Turkish Cypriots to trade through the legitimate ports and airports and I wonder why Turkey insists to use for this purpose the illegal ports and airports," he said.

(Editing by Ralph Gowling)

http://www.iht.com/articles/reuters/200 ... CYPRUS.php

[halil]

they also writes :
For several decades, the UN has continuously worked to persuadethe two communities to find a viable solution to the Cyprus issue but has failed so far.

The Ledra Street, located in the heart of the old Walled City of Nicosia, has been bisected by the UN monitored Green Line since the 1960s following the violence between the two communities.

In 1983, the Turkish Cypriot authorities declared that they hadbroken away from Cyprus and set up "the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus," which is recognized only by Turkey.

On behalf of the Greek Cypriot community, Christofias will meet Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat on March 21 in the UN Protected Area in Nicosia.

Kikapu ,
go and asked them why they used this term On behalf of the Greek Cypriot community Christofias and they didn't used on the behalf of GC's community Presidend Christofias .

[DT.]

they also writes :
For several decades, the UN has continuously worked to persuadethe two communities to find a viable solution to the Cyprus issue but has failed so far.

The Ledra Street, located in the heart of the old Walled City of Nicosia, has been bisected by the UN monitored Green Line since the 1960s following the violence between the two communities.

In 1983, the Turkish Cypriot authorities declared that they hadbroken away from Cyprus and set up "the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus," which is recognized only by Turkey.

On behalf of the Greek Cypriot community, Christofias will meet Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat on March 21 in the UN Protected Area in Nicosia.

Kikapu ,
go and asked them why they used this term On behalf of the Greek Cypriot community Christofias and they didn't used on the behalf of GC's community Presidend Christofias .

DOn't ignore the answers I give you Halil. You know perfectly well that they're true.

President Christofias is also Chief negotiator for the GC community during he inter-communal talks. All the presidents of Cyprus since Makarios have also been the head of the GC community. Obvious, since the President is voted by the GC's.