Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 06-05-08

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

CONTENTS

[01] PAPADOPOULOS - TURKEY

[02] PAPADOPOULOS - BRITAIN - WEAPONS

[03] CYPRUS - EUROPE DAY

[01] PAPADOPOULOS - TURKEY

Asked how the Cypriot government is dealing with the continuing Turkish refusal to allow Cyprus to participate in international organisations, President Papadopoulos said Cyprus continues to make representations, calling on the European Union to implement the relevant article of the EU-Turkey negotiating framework that calls on Ankara to cease such hostile actions against the Republic of Cyprus.

President Papadopoulos` comments came after Cypriot daily newspaper ``Phileftheros" reported on Sunday that Turkey is vetoing the participation of Cyprus in a PSCI exercise named ``Anatolian Deer`` scheduled to be held in Turkey, from May 24 to 26.

The EU-Turkey negotiating framework notes that "in the period up to accession, Turkey will be required to progressively align its policies towards third countries and its positions within international organisations (including in relation to the membership by all EU Member States of those organisations and arrangements) with the policies and positions adopted by the Union and its Member States.``

[02] PAPADOPOULOS - BRITAIN - WEAPONS

Asked if withholding these weapons, which are not British-made, was tantamount to a hostile action, President Papadopoulos said "it is an action which surprised me."

"Various representations have been made," he added.

"Initially, I believe, we had a response. I do not know if after the reports London has changed its stance," President Papadopoulos noted.

[03] CYPRUS - EUROPE DAY

This proposal, known as the ``Schuman declaration``, is considered to be the beginning of the creation of what is now the European Union.

The Austrian EU Presidency decided this year to celebrate Europe Day by organising a special cultural forum, the ``Cafe d` Europe``, where the citizens of Europe will find a place of creativity and discussion.

Young and old can gather tomorrow at 27 central cafes in every EU capital, including Sofia and Bucharest, to reflect the literary and culinary diversity and variety of Europe.

In statements to CNA on the occasion of Europe Day, Austrian Ambassador to Nicosia Eva Hager said the idea to celebrate Europe Day in the Cafes d` Europe was inspired by the Viennese coffee houses ``that are places for communication, for intellectual exchange and creation, a place for journalists and writers, and a symbol of our collective European heritage.``

``The idea is to convene in 27 European capitals to commemorate this day and to allow the broad public and also the young people, including children, to think loudly about Europe. To discuss, voice their ideas, but also to write a story about Europe,`` the Ambassador said.

She added that Europe Day promotes the idea of unity, stability, prosperity and human rights after the disasters of the two World Wars.

Invited to send a message to the Cypriot people on the occasion of Europe Day, she said that the EU is the common future for all Cypriots, Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots.

``Europe is precious to both communities of Cyprus,`` Hager said, adding that Cypriots should unite their future with the future of Europe, thus creating opportunities for the reunification of the island.

The Republic of Cyprus became a full EU member state on May 1st, 2004.

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