The State of Qatar watches carefully the situation in Cyprus and its efforts to find a viable and practical solution to the Cyprus problem within the framework of international law and legitimacy, the first Ambassador of the Qatar Republic, based in Nicosia, Moubarak Al Naser has said, adding that “we support a solution based on the UN resolutions which will reunify the people of Cyprus in a bizonal, bicommunal federation.”
Presenting his credentials to Cyprus President Tassos Papadopulos, Al Naser said he was certain bilateral ties of friendship and cooperation will be further strengthened in the years ahead and noted with satisfaction the long participation of many Cypriot companies in efforts to reconstruct Qatar.
“Our cooperation in international fora is intensive and on many international issues. We have full coincidence of view, supporting peace, stability and prosperity in the region as well as in the world and for solutions to international problems on the basis of the principles and objectives of the UN Charter,†he added.
He assured President Papadopoulos that he will spare no effort in order to develop in particular bilateral economic relations, including Qatari investment in Cyprus. “Qatar is following with admiration the great step that Cyprus, a member of the European Union, is taking for the economic and social advancement of the Cypriot people,†he added.
Replying, President Papadopoulos expressed the conviction that the opening of the embassy of the State of Qatar in Nicosia will give a new impetus ”which will broaden our horizon of cooperation for the mutual benefit of our countries and peoples,” noting that Qatar is the first member-state of the Gulf Cooperation Council which establishes an embassy in Nicosia.
Papadopoulos said the Cyprus government follows developments in the Middle East with deep concern and condemns all actions that contribute to the continuation of the vicious cycle of violence, adding that any solution of the Arab-Israeli conflict cannot diverge from the relevant UN Security Council resolutions.
Furthermore he expressed Cyprus’ readiness to support the peace effort in the region, both bilaterally as well as within the framework of the European Union.
Referring to the Cyprus question, Papadopoulos called on the government of the State of Qatar to continue to support the just cause of the people of Cyprus within international fora, particularly in the Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC) and to join its voice with other Arab countries who oppose the legitimisation of this illegal entity in the occupied areas through the OIC.
He also expressed gratitude for Qatar’s principled support in promoting a viable and functional solution of the Cyprus problem, based on the UN resolutions and the rule of law.
The President reiterated that the Cyprus government anticipates, following sufficient preparation of the ground through full implementation of the 8 July 2006 agreement reached between him and the leader of the Turkish Cypriot community Mehmet Ali Talat, a new effort and substantive negotiations in the framework of the good offices of the UN Secretary General.
”Unfortunately, having yielded, as usual, to the pressures of Turkey, up until today Mr. Talat refuses to honour his signature, trying to wreck the agreed process,†Papadopoulos concluded.
