VZCZCXYZ0000
RR RUEHWEB

DE RUEHNC #0728/01 2541427
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 101427Z SEP 08
FM AMEMBASSY NICOSIA
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 9140
INFO RUEHTH/AMEMBASSY ATHENS 4066
RUEHAK/AMEMBASSY ANKARA 5279
RHEHAAA/WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON DC

UNCLAS NICOSIA 000728 
 
SENSITIVE 
SIPDIS 
 
DEPARTMENT FOR EUR/SE, S/CPR 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: PREL PGOV OPDC CY
SUBJECT: CYPRUS:  PRESIDENT REPLIES TO AMBASSADOR'S 
PRESENTATION OF CREDENTIALS 
 
¶1.  (U) U.S. Ambassador Frank C. Urbancic on September 9 
presented his credentials to Republic of Cyprus President 
Demetris Christofias.  Later that day, President 
Christofias's office sent a formal, written reply to the 
Ambassador's statement from the presentation of credentials 
ceremony.  The text of the reply follows, and the original 
will be pouched to the Department (EUR/SE). 
 
¶2.  (SBU) "It is with distinct pleasure that I receive today 
the Letters of Credence, appointing you as the new Ambassador 
of the United States of America to the Republic of Cyprus.  I 
am certain that your tenure of office will contribute to the 
further strengthening and enhancement of the already 
excellent bilateral relations between our countries. 
 
Excellency, allow me to assure that my Government will work 
in close cooperation with you, so that your tenure will be 
highly constructive and fruitful, in such a way that the 
strong, long-lasting relationship that Cyprus enjoys with the 
USA will become even closer. 
 
Cyprus being the easternmost corner of the European Union, a 
bridge between Europe and the Middle East, it is very well 
placed to make valuable contributions in addressing regional 
and global challenges. 
 
In this respect, I wish to underline that Cyprus, working 
with many other nations including the United States, has 
successfully assumed an important humanitarian role, 
exemplified by the evacuation of so many American citizens 
from Lebanon, during the last crisis.  We underscore Cyprus's 
cooperation with the United States on important issues of 
money laundering and human trafficking. 
 
Specific mention should be made to the Proliferation Security 
Initiative Ship Boarding Agreement, signed in 2005, following 
the U.S. Proliferation Initiative; Cyprus became the first EU 
Member state to have such an Agreement with the United States. 
 
Excellency, 
 
When I assumed the Presidency of the Republic of Cyprus I 
declared that the primary target of the Government would be 
the achieving of a solution to the Cyprus problem in order to 
give to the future generations the opportunity to live in a 
peaceful and reunited homeland.  Towards this end, we took 
bold initiatives in order to put an end to the stalemate of 
the last few years.  These initiatives have already led to 
tangible results. 
 
The 3rd of September 2008 marks the official launch of 
full-fledged negotiations.  I take this opportunity to 
reiterate that I am determined to spare no effort to create 
conditions conducive to reaching a settlement and I stand 
ready to tackle possible obstacles that lie ahead with the 
necessary  goodwill.  At the same time, we expect a new 
conciliatory spirit from all interested parties and that 
everybody will respect our independence, sovereignty and 
territorial integrity. 
 
A solution is only achievable within the framework of a 
bizonal, bicomunal federation, as envisaged by the 1977 and 
1979 High Level Agreements, with political equality as 
described in the relevant Security Council Resolutions, with 
a single sovereignty, citizenship and international 
personality. 
 
I am fully aware, Your Excellency, that the negotiating 
process will not be an easy affair.  Nevertheless, I remain 
optimistic that through these negotiations it will be 
possible to reach an agreed solution.  It is also of utmost 
importance to safeguard the basic principles which have 
accompanied us so far in this process, namely to reach an 
agreed solution under the Good Offices mission of the 
Secretary General of the United Nations without arbitration 
or artificial timetables.  Every effort should be made by the 
international community to allow the Cypriots to retain 
ownership of the process and to achieve an outcome which will 
be approved by the people in separate simultaneous referenda. 
 This should be a Cypriot solution by the Cypriots and for 
the Cypriots. 
 
In parallel, given that Turkey is engaged in accession 
negotiations with the European Union, we expect that the 
Union will exert its influence, so that Turkey fulfills its 
obligations towards the Republic of Cyprus, especially as 
regards Turkey's obligation to accept and implement a 
 
solution to the Cyprus problem in line with the principles 
upon which the Union is founded. 
 
I avail myself of this opportunity to express our gratitude 
for the interest that the United States demonstrates with 
regard to the ongoing process and we expect that it will 
exert all its influence towards Turkey so that this new 
initiative will lead to a lasting settlement on the basis of 
relevant UN Security Council resolutions and in accordance 
with the principles of international law. 
 
Excellency, in welcoming you to Cyprus, I would kindly 
request that you convey to President George Walker Bush, the 
Government and the people of the United States our warmest 
greetings and a message of close friendship and solidarity. 
Finally, Mr. Ambassador,  I extend to you my heartfelt wishes 
for every success in your high duties that lie ahead.  I 
conclude by assuring you once more of the firm support of my 
Government and me personally in your valuable mission in my 
country." 
 
End text 
Urbancic