Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 02-05-11

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From: The Cyprus News Agency at <http://www.cyna.org.cy>

CONTENTS

[01] US appreciates Cyprus' contribution to lifting of siege in Bethlehem

[02] FM: EU will decide on the fate of Palestinians Monday

[03] EU officials visit Palestinians, reiterate thanks to Cyprus

[04] National Council sets out future strategy in direct talks

[01] US appreciates Cyprus' contribution to lifting of siege in Bethlehem

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US appreciates Cyprus' contribution to lifting of siege in Bethlehem

by Demetris Apokis

Washington, May 11 (CNA) -- Washington has expressed appreciation for the contribution of the government of Cyprus to the effort to end the standoff at the Church of Nativity, in Bethlehem.

US State Department spokesman Richard Boucher said the US was "grateful to the European Union and Cyprus for taking on the responsibility for solving the issues related to the sending of 13 militants out of the region."

[02] FM: EU will decide on the fate of Palestinians Monday

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FM: EU will decide on the fate of Palestinians Monday

Nicosia, May 11 (CNA) -- Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides said here today he has received assurances from Spain, current presidency of the European Union, that the EU will decide on Monday about the final destination of 13 Palestinians, freed from the Church of Nativity in Bethlehem and whom Cyprus has agreed to host temporarily.

"I have received assurances from my Spanish counterpart and president of the EU Council, that on Monday the General Affairs Council will decide about the final destination, in Europe, of the Palestinians," Kasoulides said.

[03] EU officials visit Palestinians, reiterate thanks to Cyprus

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EU officials visit Palestinians, reiterate thanks to Cyprus

Larnaca, May 11 (CNA) -- European Union officials, who visited today the Palestinians hosted here after the end of the standoff at the Church of Nativity in Bethlehem, said they discussed with them plans for their final destination and all 13 of them will go as "free men".

Reiterating their deep appreciation to the government of Cyprus for hosting temporarily the Palestinians, the officials expressed hope that the EU General Affairs Council will take a decision on Monday about their fate, otherwise the matter will have to be considered again.

[04] National Council sets out future strategy in direct talks

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National Council sets out future strategy in direct talks

Nicosia, May 11 (CNA) -- The National Council, the top advisory body to the President of the Republic on the handling of the Cyprus problem, has set out today its future course of action with regard to the positions of the Greek Cypriot side at the UN-led direct talks.

Government Spokesman Michalis Papapetrou said the Council also discussed next week's visit to the island by UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, in the light of information the government has and taking into consideration the views of the eight parliamentary parties that make up the Council.

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