Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 07-06-05

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

CONTENTS

[01] GOVERNMENT - UNFICYP

[02] ECOFIN - CYPRUS - EUROZONE

[03] CYPRUS - EUROBAROMETRE

[01] GOVERNMENT - UNFICYP

Among the positive elements, Palmas noted the clear message for the implementation of the July 8 agreement and the necessity for the continuation of UNFICYP`s presence on the island, adding that negative elements were the reference to the so-called isolation of the Turkish Cypriots.

Commenting on a reference in the report to the so-called isolation of the Turkish Cypriots, Minister of Foreign Affairs George Lillikas said one should view the situation politically and not as propaganda.

Lillikas explained that this reference existed in previous reports but had not been adopted by the Security Council, ``and this is what matters.``

At his daily briefing, Palmas said negative elements were the UN Secretary General`s opinion that the presence of UNFICYP may contribute to prolonging the Cyprus problem, the reference to the so-called isolation of the Turkish Cypriots, and the difficulties faced by UNFICYP members in carrying out their duties within the buffer zone.

He said positive elements were the clear message about the necessity to implement the July 8 agreement, brokered by the UN, in a way that would not leave any room for deviations from or burying of the process, and that it was necessary for UNFICYP to remain on the island, thus proposing the renewal of its mandate for six months.

Another positive element was the reference to the increasing construction in the Turkish occupied areas, which continues to be a cause of concern, as it could complicate efforts to reach a settlement.

Furthermore, the report refers to the recent demolition of houses belonging to Greek Cypriots in the Turkish occupied areas, the delay in lifting Turkish army minefields and Turkish Cypriot objections to use EU funds in this direction, the stance of the Turkish forces towards citizens entering the buffer zone and the firing of warning shots and the responsibility of Turkey to maintain the status quo in the fenced-off area of Famagusta.

[02] ECOFIN - CYPRUS - EUROZONE

The political decision for the accession of the two countries will be taken during the European Council, to convene on June 21 and 22 in Brussels. On July 10, ECOFIN will ratify the decision and will irreversibly determine the exchange rate of the Cyprus Pound against the Euro.

Sarris told CNA there were very positive remarks during Tuesday`s ECOFIN meeting regarding the significant work Cyprus has produced collectively.

[03] CYPRUS - EUROBAROMETRE

In a press release, the Ministry says that the objection of Cypriots to the introduction of the Euro has dropped from 59% in September 2006 to 53% in April 2007, noting that public opinion is changing due to a more intense government information campaign about the Euro.

It adds that, according to the Eurobarometre, in April 53% of Cypriots said they were very well informed about the Euro, compared to 39% in September 2006.

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