Cyprus backs India for UN seat

The two leaders also did not field any questions from the press. Asked why Pakistan’s support for terrorism was not mentioned,

Foreign Secretary Kanwal Sibal said that Cyprus had unreservedly supported India’s stand on Kashmir in the talks. He said it was the view of both leaders that religion could not be used to justify armed attacks.

Sibal reminded journalists that Pakistan was the only country to have recognised the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus in 1983. Consequently, there is little love lost between Cyprus and Pakistan.

In his statement earlier Vajpayee had reiterated India’s support for the sovereignty, integrity and unity of Cyprus and had hoped that the issue would be resolved in accordance with the aspirations of the people of Cyprus and as provided for in the UN resolutions.

Clerides said Cyprus was beholden to India for the support it has been extending against occupation of the country’s territory by Turkish Cypriots.

The two countries signed a MOU on IT and services and cooperation in Science and Technology. Also signed were agreements on cooperation in posts and electroic communication, on public health and medical sciences and on cultural, educational and scientific cooperation. The agreements were signed by Union Disinvestment Minister Arun Shourie.

The fact that no other minister has accompanied Vajpayee to Cyprus (the External Affairs Minister will join them in Copenhagen) is a reflection of his confidence in Shourie and is designed to send out a signal to those arrayed against disinvestment.

On Iraq both India and Cyprus agreed it was for the UN to enforce its resolutions and that if Iraq complied, sanctions against it must be lifted. A book containing Greek translations of a selection of Vajpayee’s poems was also released.