CYPRUS: PRESIDENT REPLIES TO AMBASSADOR'S

UNCLAS NICOSIA 000728

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

DEPARTMENT FOR EUR/SE, S/CPR

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL PGOV OPDC CY
SUBJECT: CYPRUS: PRESIDENT REPLIES TO AMBASSADOR'S
PRESENTATION OF CREDENTIALS


1. (U) U.S. Ambassador Frank C. Urbancic on September 9
presented his credentials to Republic of Cyprus President
Demetris Christofias. Later that day, President
Christofias's office sent a formal, written reply to the
Ambassador's statement from the presentation of credentials
ceremony. The text of the reply follows, and the original
will be pouched to the Department (EUR/SE).


2. (SBU) "It is with distinct pleasure that I receive today
the Letters of Credence, appointing you as the new Ambassador
of the United States of America to the Republic of Cyprus. I
am certain that your tenure of office will contribute to the
further strengthening and enhancement of the already
excellent bilateral relations between our countries.

Excellency, allow me to assure that my Government will work
in close cooperation with you, so that your tenure will be
highly constructive and fruitful, in such a way that the
strong, long-lasting relationship that Cyprus enjoys with the
USA will become even closer.

Cyprus being the easternmost corner of the European Union, a
bridge between Europe and the Middle East, it is very well
placed to make valuable contributions in addressing regional
and global challenges.

In this respect, I wish to underline that Cyprus, working
with many other nations including the United States, has
successfully assumed an important humanitarian role,
exemplified by the evacuation of so many American citizens
from Lebanon, during the last crisis. We underscore Cyprus's
cooperation with the United States on important issues of
money laundering and human trafficking.

Specific mention should be made to the Proliferation Security
Initiative Ship Boarding Agreement, signed in 2005, following
the U.S. Proliferation Initiative; Cyprus became the first EU
Member state to have such an Agreement with the United States.

Excellency,

When I assumed the Presidency of the Republic of Cyprus I
declared that the primary target of the Government would be
the achieving of a solution to the Cyprus problem in order to
give to the future generations the opportunity to live in a
peaceful and reunited homeland. Towards this end, we took
bold initiatives in order to put an end to the stalemate of
the last few years. These initiatives have already led to
tangible results.

The 3rd of September 2008 marks the official launch of
full-fledged negotiations. I take this opportunity to
reiterate that I am determined to spare no effort to create
conditions conducive to reaching a settlement and I stand
ready to tackle possible obstacles that lie ahead with the
necessary goodwill. At the same time, we expect a new
conciliatory spirit from all interested parties and that
everybody will respect our independence, sovereignty and
territorial integrity.

A solution is only achievable within the framework of a
bizonal, bicomunal federation, as envisaged by the 1977 and
1979 High Level Agreements, with political equality as
described in the relevant Security Council Resolutions, with
a single sovereignty, citizenship and international
personality.

I am fully aware, Your Excellency, that the negotiating
process will not be an easy affair. Nevertheless, I remain
optimistic that through these negotiations it will be
possible to reach an agreed solution. It is also of utmost
importance to safeguard the basic principles which have
accompanied us so far in this process, namely to reach an
agreed solution under the Good Offices mission of the
Secretary General of the United Nations without arbitration
or artificial timetables. Every effort should be made by the
international community to allow the Cypriots to retain
ownership of the process and to achieve an outcome which will
be approved by the people in separate simultaneous referenda.
This should be a Cypriot solution by the Cypriots and for
the Cypriots.

In parallel, given that Turkey is engaged in accession
negotiations with the European Union, we expect that the
Union will exert its influence, so that Turkey fulfills its
obligations towards the Republic of Cyprus, especially as
regards Turkey's obligation to accept and implement a

solution to the Cyprus problem in line with the principles
upon which the Union is founded.

I avail myself of this opportunity to express our gratitude
for the interest that the United States demonstrates with
regard to the ongoing process and we expect that it will
exert all its influence towards Turkey so that this new
initiative will lead to a lasting settlement on the basis of
relevant UN Security Council resolutions and in accordance
with the principles of international law.

Excellency, in welcoming you to Cyprus, I would kindly
request that you convey to President George Walker Bush, the
Government and the people of the United States our warmest
greetings and a message of close friendship and solidarity.
Finally, Mr. Ambassador, I extend to you my heartfelt wishes
for every success in your high duties that lie ahead. I
conclude by assuring you once more of the firm support of my
Government and me personally in your valuable mission in my
country."

End text
Urbancic