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Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 07-03-23Cyprus News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Cyprus News Agency at <http://www.cyna.org.cy>CONTENTS
[01] COMMISSION - CYPRUS - INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENTSCyprus as a sovereign state has the right to conclude international agreements with third countries, according to the acquis communautaire and the international law, a European Commission official pointed out during the EU-Turkey Association Committee`s 115th meeting held Thursday in Brussels.EU sources told CNA that this position as outlined by the European Commission official was rejected by a Turkish diplomat, who claimed that the Republic of Cyprus does not represent Turkish Cypriots and cannot conclude bilateral agreements. The Commission called on Turkey to cooperate so that contact between air traffic control centres of Cyprus and Turkey can be established for the sake of flights and passengers. The Turkish side appeared negative on this issue as well, stating that Turkey only recognises the airports, operating illegally, in the Turkish-occupied parts of Cyprus. The Commission also called on Turkey to stop vetoing Cyprus` the participation in international organizations, an issue also rejected by the Turkish side, which implied that Turkey will continue to follow this tactic. The Turkish diplomat was also negative regarding the implementation of the Customs Union between Turkey and the ten new EU member states, including the Republic of Cyprus, something which would demand the opening of Turkish ports and airports to Cypriot airplanes and vessels. The Republic of Cyprus has already signed bilateral agreements with Egypt and Lebanon regarding their exclusive economic zones. Cyprus launched on February 15, 2007, the 1st Licensing Round Offshore Cyprus for the grant of hydrocarbon exploration and development licenses, a move which triggered the reactions of Turkey. Cyprus, which joined the EU in May 2004, has been divided since 1974, when Turkey 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, which provides for the opening of its ports and airports to Cyprus. [02] GREEK FM - CYPRUS PROBLEMGreek Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyiannis said Thursday that Greece and Cyprus pursue substantive progress to efforts aiming at preparing the negotiations for a comprehensive solution on the Cyprus problem, in the framework of the United Nations and on the basis of the Security Council resolutions.Bakoyiannis, who is currently visiting the US, and has already met with her US counterpart Condoleeza Rice, will discuss the Cyprus problem Friday, during meetings with Nicholas Burns, Undesecretary of State for political affairs and US National Security Advisor Steve Hadley. In statements to the press, Bakoyiannis referred to the Cyprus problem noting that ``the position of the Greek and the Cypriot governments is that we pursue substantive progress for a well prepared procedure in the framework of the UN and on the basis of the Security Council resolutions.`` [03] HOUSE PRESIDENT - FLORENCECypriot House of Representatives President Demetris Christofias said that through our dedication to the support of fundamental human rights, we can achieve real progress towards the establishment of the EU, peace, democracy, human rights, freedom, social justice, solidarity and sustainable development and to bring European citizens much closer to our institutions.Speaking in Florence, where events on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Rome have started, Christofias said that all the EU policies must have the individual at their epicenter and wondered whether in this sense we are making efforts to extend such approaches to all the Unions foreign policies. [04] BERLIN - EU LEADERS - CELEBRATIONSEuropean Union leaders will meet in Berlin from 24-25 March not to take any political decisions this time but to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Treaties of Rome which created the European family.The EU leaders will issue a political declaration setting out Europes values and ambitions for the future. The declaration will highlight the common values and principles underlying the European project. It is also expected to highlight the EU`s political determination to move ahead and define the mission for the European Union of tomorrow. Cyprus will be represented at the events to take place in Berlin by its President Tassos Papadopoulos Cyprus News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |
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