China’s policy on Cyprus has not changed

China has not changed its policy towards the Cyprus issue, Ambassador of China to Nicosia Yali Zhao assured Monday, when invited to comment the fact that an aircraft which took off from China, with its reported destination being Adana, Turkey, landed at the illegal airport in Turkish occupied Cyprus.

The government of China respects and supports the United Nations resolutions on Cyprus, the Ambassador said, in statements at Larnaca airport prior to the departure of President of the House of Representatives Demetris Christofias to China where he will pay an official visit.

The Chinese Ambassador explained that the Civil Aviation of China had approved a flight plan of a Turkish interests’ aircraft, which took off from Shanghai with Adana being its final destination.

Investigations are under way to find out what exactly happened and the destination of the aircraft during the flight changed, he added.

The Ambassador reassured that China, as a friendly country to Cyprus and a permanent member of the UN Security Council, will continue its efforts to contribute to the solution of the Cyprus problem, noting that the UN resolutions on Cyprus are the basis for the solution of the problem.

It is out of the question that China changes its policy towards Cyprus, he assured.

The Chinese diplomat pointed out that the relations between Cyprus and China are excellent and have been strengthened after Cypriot President Tassos Papadopoulos’ official visit to China in December 2006.

Commenting on the same issue, House President said that an investigation should be made regarding the circumstances under which the aircraft landed at the illegal airport.

He added that the relations between Cyprus and China are very close and are founded on mutual understanding and respect.

Turkish Media reported last week that a cargo flight from China carrying 300,000 electric bulbs landed at the illegal airport in occupied Cyprus.

Christofias will pay an official visit to China February 6–12, at the invitation of the Chairman of the National People’s Congress (NPC) Wu Bangguo.

During his visit, Christofias will hold talks with the President of the National People’s Congress, the Vice Chairman of NPC Wang Zhanguo, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Dai Bingguo and the Minister of the International Department of the Communist Party Central Committee Wang Jiarui.

He will also meet with his counterparts in the cities of Changsha and Shanghai.

Christofias returns home on Wednesday, February 14.