Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 06-10-27

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

CONTENTS

[01] PAPADOPOULOS - FINNISH PROPOSAL

[02] FINNISH AMBASSADOR TURKEY

[03] COMMISSION T/Cs FINANCING DECISION

[01] PAPADOPOULOS - FINNISH PROPOSAL

He pointed out that the Finnish presidency is talking about ideas and not a proposal and that he cannot say what will follow because the implementation or not of these ideas depends on Turkey.

For two months now, I am in very close contact with the Finnish presidency which has shown a very good and constructive attitude, the contacts are frequent, negotiations continue. It is not a matter which, as an umpire, the Finnish presidency will decide; it is a matter of a consensus being found by all interested parties, including Turkey, the Cypriot President underlined.

President Papadopoulos said that when he hears statements that we are optimistic because Turkey has not rejected the Finnish ideas I am sorry, this for me is not a satisfactory foundation of optimism.

Asked what the people of Cyprus should expect, President Papadopoulos replied that the people of Cyprus must ask themselves that if we had accepted the Annan plan which we rejected, which would have been implemented in 21 years, depending on Turkeys good will, would it have a chance of survival when Ankara clearly refuses to comply with the obligations it has undertaken?

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkish troops invaded and occupied its northern third.

Turkey, a country aspiring to become an EU member state, does not recognise the Republic of Cyprus and refuses to implement the EU-Turkey Customs Union Protocol, by opening its ports and airports to Cypriot vessels and aircraft.

The Finnish presidency is trying to avert any possible derailment of Turkey`s EU accession course, following Ankara`s refusal to meet its EU obligations and Cyprus` position that Turkey must do exactly that before accession negotiations are allowed to move further on.

[02] FINNISH AMBASSADOR TURKEY

He stressed that work needs to be done but with the will of the parties involved, there is a chance to achieve a solution.

Speaking after a meeting with Cyprus opposition leader Nicos Anastasiades, Piipponen was asked to comment on statements made by the Finnish Prime Minister two days ago when he said that he is optimistic about the situation.

I think that reflects well the situation, the diplomat said, adding that there is definitely work to be done but with the will of the parties concerned there is a chance to get the solution.

[03] COMMISSION T/Cs FINANCING DECISION

According to the Commission, the financial assistance will focus on three objectives: developing physical infrastructure, promoting economic and social development and bringing the Turkish Cypriot community closer to the European Union.

In a statement after the adoption of the financing decision Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn said he welcomed today`s decision that enables us to realise concrete projects bringing the Turkish Cypriot Community closer to Europe.

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