RELATIONS BETWEEN ARMENIA AND CYPRUS HAVE BIG POTENTIAL

Cyprus Bridge for Armenia’s Integration to Europe

Azg/am
21 Oct 2004

Demetris Christofias, chairman of the House of Representatives of
Cyprus, paid an official visit to Yerevan on the invitation of Artur
Baghdasarian, chairman of RA National Assembly, on October 18-20. On
October 19, Artur Baghdasarian and Demetris Cristofias signed a
memorandum at RA parliament. Both sides assessed the meeting effective
from the viewpoint of developing the relations and strategic
cooperation. Baghdasarian believes that the relations between Armenia
and Cyprus have entered a new stage after the mutual visits of the
parliamentary delegations of the states. Today Armenia and Cyprus are
political partners that have no contradictions in any sphere and in
all the spheres they have big potential for cooperation. It was
envisaged to deepen cooperation in political, economic, cultural,
educational spheres.

Today, the Republic of Cyprus undertakes the role of a bridge between
the EU and the Republic of Armenia, Christofias assured. He finds the
cooperation of both countries in the international structures a
priority line, emphasizing the support Armenia renders to Cyprus in
CE, at the same time. Cyprus will support us also within the framework
of “Enlarged Europe: New Neighbors” program. As for Turkey’s
membership to EU, Greek statesman said that the policy of Cyprus
concerning this issue remained unchanged, as Turkey is an occupant
country and had occupied the 32% of Cyprus’ territory. Besides, for
becoming an EU member, Turkey has many problems to solve, including
the human rights and the basic freedom issues. Turkey should recognize
the Republic of Cyprus. Christofias said that these issues will be put
before Turkey till December, if this country wants to become the
member of EU. According to the personal opinionof Christofias, to
reach this aim, Turkey should recognize the Genocide of the Armenians
in 1915 as well.

Christofias believes that the settlement of Nagorno Karabakh conflict
can be reached in peaceful way only, taking into account the interests
of RA and other countries of the region. He also thinks that the
settlement of Nagorno Karabakh issue will greatly weaken Turkey’s
influence in the international developments.

Emphasizing the importance of the cooperation between Armenia and
Cyprus, Christofias assured that the Cyprus authorities spare no
efforts to preserve Melkonian Educational Institute, as that is a
center for the Armenian community in Cyprus and an integral part of
the country’s culture.

Besides all the other factors, Christofias feels himself as in his own
motherland, also for the reason that Armenia is the only country where
the word “Cyprus” is pronounced in the same way as in Greek.

By Nana Petrosian