India hopes for just, lasting solution to Cyprus problem

New Delhi, Apr 10 (UNI) India today said it hopes that a just and lasting solution would be found to the Cyprus problem in accordance with the U N Security Council Resolutions and the aspirations of the people of Cyprus.

''India has consistently supported the independence, sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of the Republic of Cyprus. India hopes that a just and lasting solution will be found to the Cyprus problem in accordance with the UN Security Council Resolutions and the aspirations of the people of Cyprus,'' an External Affairs Ministry spokesman said here today.

The remarks come a few hours ahead of President Tassos Papadopoulos of Cyprus' arrival here tomorrow on a week-long visit to India that will focus on intensifying economic and technological cooperation between the two countries.

Mr Papadopoulos who will be accompanied by senior ministers and a business delegation, will be the fifth President of his country to visit India. All previous Cypriot Presidents have in the past paid State visits to India while Indian Presidents V V Giri and Venkataraman have visited Cyprus.

Mrs Indira Ghandi also visited Cyprus in 1983.

The Cyprus President who arrives in the morning, will have a relaxed day tomorrow. Official engagements will be held on Wednesday which will include talks with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and the release of a commemorative stamp.

Sources said a wide range of international and regional issues including terrorism, Cyprus problem, democracy, the EU, UN reforms and Commonwealth co-operation will be discussed.

He will be accompanied by his Foreign Minister George Iacovou and have a business meeting with CII/FICCI/ASSOCHAM. Vice-President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi will call on him.

In the evening, he is scheduled to have a meeting with President A P J Abdul Kalam who will host a banquent in his honour.

The next day he will deliver an address at the Indian Council of World Affairs after which he will visit Agra, Mumbai and Bangalore before leaving for home on April 16.

In Bangalore, Mr Papadopoulos will visit Infosys and interact with cyber experts.

The visit, at the invitation of President Kalam, is considered significant as Cyprus is a member of the European Union and the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) and will, therefore, provide an opportunity to discuss the growing relationship between India and the EU and also support from the NSG to the Indo-US Civil Nuclear Energy agreement.

The spokesman said India expected the State Visit of President Papadopoulos to strengthen and intensify bilateral political and economic relations.

''India-Cyprus relations have traditionally been excellent and time-tested. Over the years, India and Cyprus have worked effectively together in various international fora,'' he said.

Bilateral trade between India and Cyprus is far below the potential. In 2004, Indian exports to Cyprus were 37.4 million US dollars while Indian imports were 5.2 million dollars.

Cyprus' membership of the European Union and its strategic location as a gateway to three continents open up potential new areas of bilateral economic cooperation.

There are significant possibilities for Indian participation in high-technology areas including IT, bio-technology, pharmaceuticals and R and D projects.

India's areas of core competence could dovetail with Cyprus' plans to develop its high-tech sector and knowledge-based industries as the third pillar of its economy.

Other areas of cooperation include financial services, tourism, construction and fuel-efficient automobiles.

India has consistently supported the independence, sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of the Republic of Cyprus. India hopes that a just and lasting solution will be found to the Cyprus problem in accordance with the UN Security Council Resolutions and the aspirations of the people of Cyprus.

UNI