December 4, 2002
AHEPA: UN Plan Provides Hope for Future of Cyprus
WASHINGTON-AHEPA President Dr. James F. Dimitriou has issued the following statement on the progress for peace in Cyprus:
"In their 28 years of involvement with the Cyprus issue, the members of the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association have formulated their position for a just and viable solution upon American values and ideals.
"We believe that the Comprehensive Settlement of the Cyprus Problem unveiled by United Nations Secretary-General Kofi A. Annan provides hope for the future of Cyprus.
"We consider this document a work-in-progress and a starting point from where a just settlement can be achieved within the framework of United Nations Security Council resolutions.
"We are cautiously optimistic that a solution exists in the UN plan thatstrictly upholds the principles of the rule of law, preserves human rights, and offers freedom of movement and economic prosperity for all Cypriots in the harmony and context that the EU provides.
"Ultimately, it is up to the good people of Cyprus, both Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots alike, to decide what is in their best interests." Dr. Dimitriou said.
Senate Praised for Passage of Cyprus Resolution
In addition, the recent passage of a concurrent resolution in support of
Cyprus' European Union accession by the U.S. Senate by unanimous consent was hailed by members of the AHEPA, announced AHEPA President Dimitriou.
"It resolves that membership of the Republic of Cyprus in the EU should be strongly supported," he said. "This sends a clear-cut message to the international community that the United States, through its various agencies of government, understands the importance of promoting, seeking, and achieving peace, stability, and prosperity in Cyprus and in the Eastern Mediterranean."
Furthermore, the resolution expresses the sense of Congress that the status quo on Cyprus must end and the Cypriot people be reunited in a bizonal, bicommunal federal Cyprus with full consideration of United Nations Security Council resolutions and international treaties. Also, it is clearly resolved that a solution to the Cyprus problem is not a precondition for Cyprus' EU accession.
The members of AHEPA offer their gratitude to: U.S. Sen. Olympia J. Snowe (R-ME) who introduced the resolution, to the 11 co-sponsors of the resolution, to the members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and to the entire Senate body for its unanimous passage of the resolution.
(Originally posted December 2002)
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