Date:09/10/2002 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2002/10/09/stories/2002100904240100.htm

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Cyprus backs India for U.N. seat

By Amit Baruah

NICOSIA (Cyprus) Oct. 8. Cyprus today came out in strong support of India's permanent membership of the United Nations Security Council as the Prime Minister, Atal Behari Vajpayee, and the Cypriot President, Glafcos Clerides, held a productive round of bilateral talks today.

India, Mr. Clerides said in a statement with Mr. Vajpayee at a press interaction, had always been a ``strong and steady'' supporter of Cyprus's national cause — a reference to the Turkish ``occupation'' of 37 per cent of Cypriot territory in 1974.

Five agreements — in the areas of information technology and services, science and technology, cultural, educational and scientific cooperation, posts and telegraphs and public health and medical sciences — were signed in the presence of the two leaders.

After the discussions, Mr. Vajpayee said: ``.... India and Cyprus have historically enjoyed relations of deep-rooted friendship. We share a commitment to democracy and pluralism and a congruence of outlook on major regional and international issues.''

``India considers Cyprus a time-tested and valuable ally. We appreciate the consistent support that we have received from Cyprus on issues of vital concern to us, including its support for India's permanent membership of the U.N. Security Council. Cyprus also shares entirely our perspectives on countering terrorism.''

``The President and I have had fruitful discussions on carrying forward our bilateral relationship, exploiting the opportunities provided by globalisation and new technologies. The five agreements which we have just signed indicate some of the thrust areas for future cooperation,'' Mr. Vajpayee said.

Briefing presspersons on the talks, the Foreign Secretary, Kanwal Sibal, said Cyprus had expressed its full support on Jammu and Kashmir and condemned cross-border terrorism, which it saw as a major stumbling block in finding a solution. Expressing support for the Kashmir elections, he said they saw this development as a prelude to a solution to the issue.

On Iraq, the two sides agreed that the U.N. should be the one to enforce its resolutions. Pointing to the agreement on the inspection regime, the hope was expressed that if this accord could be implemented on the ground then there would be no need for military action.

Both countries also expressed concern at the economic implications of a possible military attack on Iraq.