Polish President seeks greater EU role in Cyprus efforts

IN THE first official visit by a Polish President to Cyprus, Aleksander Kwaniewski said the European Union should play a more active role in efforts to solve the Cyprus problem.
He told a joint news conference with Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos after official talks at the Presidential Palace in Nicosia, that three countries involved in the dispute, namely Britain, Greece and Cyprus, were already EU members, while Turkey aspired to join the EU.
He pledged that Poland would do its utmost for Cyprus’ reunification.

Kwasniewski described as “very dramatic” the division of the island and stressed that Poland recognises one Cyprus Republic and expressed hope that through diplomatic efforts of the UN, the EU and mutual understanding from both sides, a solution can be found.

“What is painful is that Nicosia is the last divided European city and I think all Europeans and people should work to find a positive solution for the Cyprus conflict and for unification of the divided parts of the island”.

He also referred to the participation of Polish soldiers in the United Nations Peacekeeping Forces in Cyprus.

Referring to Poland’s accession to the EU, Kwaniewski said that a year on, it has proved that it has been successful and that it works. “EU accession is really a big chance for all of us”, he stressed.

Presenting Kwaniewski with the Medal of the Town of Nicosia, Mayor Michalakis Zampelas told him “your visit reaffirms the strong and long-standing bonds of friendship, mutual respect and co-operation between our countries and our people”.

Papadopoulos expressed the Greek Cypriot side’s readiness to start negotiations with an aim to resolve the protracted Cyprus problem.

He said his talks with the Polish President covered European and international issues of bilateral interest as well as the long-standing relations between the two countries.
Both Cyprus and Poland joined the EU on May 1, 2004.