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Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 05-06-17Cyprus News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Cyprus News Agency at <http://www.cyna.org.cy>CONTENTS
[01] Cypriot President: Nicosia supports continuation of ratification process0140:CYPPRESS:01Cypriot President: Nicosia supports continuation of ratification process by Maria Myles Brussels, Jun 17 (CNA) -- European Union leaders, meeting here today on the first day of their summit, did not agree on a common position with regard to the ratification process of the European constitution. Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos said after the end of tonight's deliberations that the Luxembourg EU presidency had undertaken to prepare a draft declaration, based on the prevailing view during today's discussions and present this for approval at Friday's morning working session. He explained that most EU leaders agree that a declaration must be issued confirming their adherence to the European Constitution and saying that a period for recollection was necessary, which is expected to last several months. The declaration, he said, must also note that those EU members that are already in the process of ratifying the Constitution, either by referendum or through the parliament, must carry on with these procedures while those countries that have decided on a date for the ratification must be free to decide through internal national bodies. Papadopoulos said at an EU summit in June 2006 leaders will assess the course of ratification and draw their conclusions and then decide about the next steps. Replying to questions, he said Nicosia supports clearly and categorically the continuation of the process of ratification, adding that the House of Representatives will discuss the matter on 29 and 30 June. ''I hope the House will ratify the Constitution,'' he concluded. [02] Greek American leaders call for withdrawal of Turkish troops1145:CYPPRESS:02Greek-American leaders call for withdrawal of Turkish troops by Apostolis Zoupaniotis Washington, Jun 17 (CNA) -- NJ Democratic Congressman Robert Menendez was honoured last night during the second day of deliberations of the 16th Annual Cyprus Conference of Greek-American and Cypriot-American leaders. The conference deliberations were held at the House of Representatives. In his speech, Menendez expressed concern that following talks between Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and US President George Bush, the UN Secretary-General intends to table again before the UN Security Council his report issued after the Cyprus referenda in April 2004, aiming at its endorsement by the Council. A plan that is considered unacceptable by 76% of the Greek Cypriots is not a plan for success and cannot be considered viable by the US, said Menendez, who will soon contest a seat for the Senate. He also described as illegal direct flights to the Turkish occupied north of Cyprus and condemned a recent trip of three US Congressmen to the occupied areas through the illegal airport at Tympou. [03] EU leaders discuss financial perspective for 2007-20131230:CYPPRESS:03EU leaders discuss financial perspective for 2007-2013 by Maria Myles Brussels, Jun 17 (CNA) -- European Union leaders gathered here today for the second day of the summit to discuss the thorny issue of the Union's financial perspective for 2007 - 2013. Luxembourg Prime Minister Jean Claude Juncker, current Council president, has already had a series of meetings with other EU leaders to try and iron out differences over this issue. As there is no consensus on this matter so far, the draft conclusions of the summit make no reference to the EU budget but instead there is a gap to be filled in according to the final outcome of the discussions that are taking place today. The 25 EU leaders will also be presented with the text of a common declaration on the future process of ratification of the European Constitution, for discussion with a view to adopting the declaration unanimously. President Tassos Papadopoulos, representing Cyprus at the summit, has said he fully supports the continuation of the ratification process and expressed hope that the House of Representatives will endorse the Constitution at its session on 29-30 June. Meanwhile, the draft conclusions of the European Council, a copy of which CNA has secured, make no specific reference to Turkey. ''The European welcomes the signing of the Accession Treaty in Luxembour of 25 April 2005, which marks a further important step towards the accession of Bulgaria and Romania to the European Union,'' the conclusions say. Those countries will now participate in the proceedings of the European Council, the Council and its preparatory bodies as active observers. Paragraph three of the draft conclusions, notes that the ''European Council also refers to its conclusions of 16 and 17 December 2004 on enlargement and highlights the need to implement them fully.'' Prior to the start of today's deliberations, President Papadopoulos met with Greek Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis to discuss issues of mutual interest. [04] Cyprus President to visit London - Paris1230:CYPPRESS:04Cyprus President to visit London - Paris Brussels, Jun 17 (CNA) -- Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos will begin his visit to London on 26 July, following an invitation by British Prime Minister Tony Blair. Papadopoulos also announced here in Brussels, speaking to Cypriot journalists covering the European Council, that he would be visiting Paris as well, on 4 November, at the invitation of his French counterpart Jacques Chirac. [05] Weather and Temperatures for Cyprus
[06] Cyprus Stock Exchange
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