Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 07-01-10

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

CONTENTS

[01] GOVERNMENT - BRIDGE

[01] GOVERNMENT - BRIDGE

Invited to comment on the dismantling of the bridge carried out by the occupying regime, Pashiardis said that yesterday the bridge`s steps were removed under the supervision of the occupying army, which of course did not withdraw from the area, reiterating that the ``issue was and it is not the dismantling of the bridge.``

``The issue is the opening of Ledras Street. And the opening of Ledras street is not achieved with the mere dismantling of the bridge,`` Pashiardis said, adding that the ``substantive aspects of the issue, such as the military disengagement and the de-mining of the area were not addressed.``

The Spokesman reiterated that these ``important and fundamental issues`` are addressed by the proposals the Greek Cypriot side submitted to the United Nations in the end of 2005.

``The Turkish side, if it is interested in the opening of Ledras street and not in creating impressions, should discuss these rational proposals with the UN Peace Keeping Force in Cyprus,`` he added.

Replying to a question whether Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos has sent a letter yesterday to UN Head of Mission in Cyprus Michael Moller for this issue, Pashiardis said that the Greek Cypriot side applied both in writing and verbally for a dialogue between the two sides for the opening of Ledras street.

``I understand that the UN already began consultations with the occupying forces,` he added.

Replying to a question why the Greek Cypriot side requested a dialogue with the Turkish Cypriots for the opening of Ledras street, while the Turkish military decides for the opening of the crossing point in the area, Pashiardis said the talks are not carried out directly between the two sides but through the UN.

Noting that the opening of Ledras street involves issues of military nature, Pashiardis said that ``when the UNFICYP consults with the other side for such issues, it discusses with the occupying army and not the Turkish Cypriot leadership.``

Cyprus government spokesman Christodoulos Pashiardis announced that the the one-member Commission of Inquiry into the causes of the 14 August 2005 Helios air crash, that killed all 121 people on board submitted its report to the Cabinet`s Secretariat.

``The report will be examined in one of the coming meetings of the Council of Ministers,`` Pashiardis said.

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