Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 06-12-29

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

CONTENTS

[01] LEDRA STREET PASHIARDIS BRIDGE

[02] CHINESE AMBASSADOR INTERVIEW

[01] LEDRA STREET PASHIARDIS BRIDGE

Pashardis described as positive the decision by the Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat to demolish a footbridge, erected last year, but pointed out that it does not remove all the obstacles to secure a smooth and unhindered crossing of citizens to and from the Turkish-occupied areas.

``The Cypriot government invited this morning, through the United Nations, the Turkish Cypriot side to enter a dialogue to discuss all issues regarding the opening of Ledra street and the smooth passage of people from this particular crossing point,`` Pashardis said.

The Cypriot official said that Ledra street cannot be opened with incomplete measures and recalled that the Greek Cypriot side submitted concrete proposals in 2005 and in July 2006 regarding the opening of a crossing point at Ledra street, which apart from the demolition of the bridge and a wall in the government-controlled side, provide for the de-mining of the area, demilitarization and the removal of military patrols from the vicinity as well as the removal of symbols that might offend.

He stressed that ``we will not consent to the opening of Ledra Street if all the obstacles to the smooth crossing are not removed. The dismantling of the bridge is a positive step but it does not remove all obstacles,`` he added.

[02] CHINESE AMBASSADOR INTERVIEW

He described Cyprus as a very good partner, a friend and an ally within the European Union and assured the Cypriot government that his country will continue to support a political settlement in Cyprus on the basis of UN Security Council resolutions, pointing out at the same time that any solution must be acceptable to the islands two communities.

Zhao also said that China, as a permanent member of the Council, is ready to offer its own services to the Secretary General and the international community in every initiative to solve the long standing problem.

We enjoy traditional friendship between our people and mutual respect through history and bitter experiences of the past in our recent respective history, the Ambassador said, referring to the situation with Taiwan and the continuing occupation of Cyprus northern part by Turkey.

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