Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 06-12-02

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

CONTENTS

[01] NATIONAL COUNCIL - MEETING

[02] UNSG - CYPRUS PROBLEM

[03] CYPRUS PRESIDENT - CHINA - OFFICIAL VISIT

[01] NATIONAL COUNCIL - MEETING

The National Council, presided by President of the Republic Tassos Papadopoulos, is expected to discuss Nicosias policy regarding the sanctions expected to be imposed on Turkey for not complying with its EU obligation to implement the customs union agreement, by opening its ports and airports t all new EU member states, including the Republic of Cyprus.

On Wednesday, the European Commission said it was recommending a partial suspension of Turkey`s EU membership talks for refusing to open its ports and airports to Cypriot vessels and aircraft, a recommendation that did not satisfy Nicosia.

The Commission said eight out of 35 negotiating chapters would be put on hold.

EU member-state Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkish troops invaded and occupied 37 per cent of its territory.

Turkey, which aspires to join the EU, has so far refused to implement numerous United Nations calling for the immediate withdrawal of its troops from Cyprus.

President Papadopoulos had on Friday a meeting with Greek Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyiannis who made a stop over to Cyprus. During the meeting, they coordinated their positions in the light of the EU meetings on Turkey.

The National Council is composed of two members of all parliamentary parties, but main opposition party Democratic Rally (DISY) suspended its participation in the Council, due to functional weaknesses and cover-up of dysfunctions of the Council

[02] UNSG - CYPRUS PROBLEM

The two sides in Cyprus must show the necessary good will and determination to overcome their apparent deep mutual distrust and suspicion of each other`s true motives,`` Annan said.

He also called for an end to the ``blame game`` carried out ``relentlessly and unhelpfully by officials and the press of both sides.``

Having dealt with Cyprus throughout my two five-year terms as UN leader, I cannot but regret the continued stalemate in the political process and the missed opportunities,`` Annan says in his final report to the UN Security Council on the renewal of the mandate of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP), that expires December 15th.

[03] CYPRUS PRESIDENT - CHINA - OFFICIAL VISIT

During his visit, President Papadopoulos will hold talks with Chinese President Hu Jintao, Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao, President of the National Peoples Congress Wu Bangguo and Vice Mayor of Shanghai Feng Guoqin.

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