Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 06-06-11

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

CONTENTS

[01] ATHENS - ANKARA - MEASURES

[02] CYPRUS - IMO CONVENTIONS

[01] ATHENS - ANKARA - MEASURES

Speaking after talks in Constantinople (Istanbul), Foreign Ministers Dora Bakoyianni and Abdullah Gul said these include an extension of the current moratorium in the Aegean, a direct line of communication between the military commands of the two countries, joint exercises to deal with natural disasters and a hot line between the top brass in Larisa and Eski Sehir.

On Cyprus, Gul said an important opportunity for a political settlement was lost in 2004 (when a UN-proposed solution plan was rejected) and wished for a solution that would take into consideration the facts on the ground in Cyprus.

Referring to Mondays Association Council with the European Union, Gul refrained from saying whether he would attend or not, noting a decision on the matter will be taken after the conclusion of the EU Council of Ministers meeting on Monday morning.

On Friday, EU ambassadors in Brussels failed to reach consensus on the text of their common position with regard to Turkeys accession course and the matter has been referred to the ministerial meeting.

Speaking to the press, Bakoyianni said she had an open, frank and constructive meeting and added that Greece expects Turkey to meet the EU criteria for accession and to continue its dialogue with Athens to reduce tension. Gul described his meeting with Bakoyianni useful, friendly and courageous.

[02] CYPRUS - IMO CONVENTIONS

An official press release has said that this is an indication that Cypriot policy on maritime issues is fully in line with European and IMO objectives as far as the protection of the seas and safety at sea are concerned.

Barrot was addressing the Council of EU transport ministers earlier this week in Luxembourg and said the Commission had asked EU members to ratify these conventions which help formulate EU maritime policy.

Cyprus was represented at the meeting by Communications and Works Minister Haris Thrassou.

The ministers talked about energy, telecommunications, road safety, air and sea transport.

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