India a model of tolerance: Cyprus

[Guest guest]

India a model of tolerance: Cyprus

 

By Our Diplomatic Correspondent

Nicosia (Cyprus) Oct. 8. The Cypriot President, Glafcos Clerides,

speaking today at a banquet hosted for the Prime Minister, Atal

Behari Vajpayee, said Archbishop Makarios and Jawaharlal Nehru were

among the founders of the Non-aligned Movement, which incarnated the

hopes and aspirations of the developing countries.

 

``The struggles of Mahatma Gandhi and subsequent developments

demonstrated to the rest of the world that partition is not an

appropriate response to questions of ethnic, racial or cultural

diversity but rather a way for perpetuating and magnifying obstacles

to the peaceful existence of human communities, cultures and

traditions. India has proved to be a model of integration and

tolerance and its democratic credentials command universal

respect,'' he said.

 

Stressing the case for a permanent U.N. seat for India, Mr. Clerides

said: ``India has played a prominent role in promoting peace and

stability in Asia and the Indian Ocean.... I have to stress that

Cyprus recognises and highly values India's contribution to world

affairs. Taking into consideration its place, size and potential as

a major power, we firmly believe that in the framework of the

envisaged United Nations reforms, India deserves a permanent seat in

the U.N. Security Council.''

 

Mr. Vajpayee said India deeply appreciated the consistent support of

Cyprus on issues of vital concern.

 

``We value your understanding of our national aspirations. Where

else in the world would you find another capital city where the

Indian High Commission is located on Indira Gandhi Street and the

national Parliament on Jawaharlal Nehru avenue with a statue of

Mahatma Gandhi right next to it''.

 

``Even as we reinforce our ties of friendship, we must remain ever-

vigilant to the new challenges ahead. Terrorism has become a global

menace. Democratic and plural societies are particularly vulnerable

to its poison. Terrorism must be defeated, even more so when it is

sponsored by a State."

 

"India is at the forefront of this battle. We know that Cyprus will

always support our struggle,'' he said.

 

Referring to the ancient contacts between India and Cyprus, the

Prime Minister said Cyprus's unique strategic location at the

crossroads of three continents had made the country a bone of

contention for clashing armies and empires.

 

``Today, you have used the same gift of geography to transform your

country into a first-rate tourist destination, a base for high

technology and a hub of shipping and offshore financial services.''

 

Mr. Vajpayee, who also had meetings with the President of the House

of Representatives and the Mayor of Nicosia, will leave tomorrow for

the India-European Union Summit in Copenhagen.