Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 07-07-27

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

CONTENTS

[01] FM - USA - CYPRUS QUESTION

[02] TOURISM - REVENUE

[03] KEVE - EURO - FAIR PRICING

[04] BAGHDATIS - 2007 GOALS

[01] FM - USA - CYPRUS QUESTION

On the question of Cyprus, I believe that there is still a lot of work to be done to convince the US that it would be to their own benefit to reach a settlement, which would secure stability on the island and in the region. Of course, this solution should satisfy the interests and meet the expectations of the Cypriot people and not the interests of any other country, she said.

Speaking after a meeting with the Cyprus Ecologists and Environmentalists Movement, the Minister expressed the view that the US should start dealing with Cyprus independently of its interests in the region.

I believe that there is a lot of room to enhance further our relations with the US, which are excellent in areas such as commerce or education. But we should insist that the US start viewing Cyprus independently and regardless of any interests they may have in Turkey or the Middle East, she said.

She said she would work towards this direction, applying the experience she has gained in the US. She would also work during the upcoming visit to Cyprus of US Under-Secretary of State for Political Affairs Nicholas Burns.

The new Cypriot FM expressed the view that there are many areas in which Cyprus and the US could follow a common strategy.

Regarding the Turkish elections, Markoulli said that the government is monitoring developments but at the same time she expressed concern over the role of the Turkish military.

«We follow developments very closely. But I believe that what actually matters is the role of the Turkish army. The absence of statements on behalf of the army is causing concern, she noted.

On Turkeys EU bid, she said that the government of Cyprus would continue following a strict policy.

I assure you that we are very strict regarding Turkeys accession negotiations. Only one EU Turkey negotiating chapter opened and closed and this is due to the fact that the particular chapter was in no way connected with any Cypriot issue, such as the Cyprus problem or the normalisation of the Cyprus Turkey relations, she added.

Concluding, the Cypriot Minister said that the government would demand the implementation of the EU criteria which are valid for all candidate countries.

The Republic of Cyprus, an EU member state since 2004, is divided sine 1974 when Turkish troops invaded and occupied its northern third.

[02] TOURISM - REVENUE

Tourist arrivals in May 2007 had recorded a 3.7% drop compared to May 2006, while revenue from tourism in April 2007 had dropped by 2.8% compared to the same month the previous year. Revenue from tourism also dropped in 2007 during the months January, February and April, and rose in March and May.

The highest expenditure per day was recorded in May 2007 by tourists from Russia, Israel and Ireland, and the lowest by tourists from Greece, Finland and Sweden. For the period from January to May 2007, revenue from tourism is estimated at 274.5 million pounds or 468.9 million euro compared to 269.5 million pounds or 460.4 million euro in the corresponding period of 2006, recording an increase of 1.9%.

[03] KEVE - EURO - FAIR PRICING

Sarris thanked KEVE for its initiative and its contribution to the preparation of businesses and the safeguarding of a smooth transition to the European currency. He said the government would continue and intensify its awareness campaign and noted that as of 1 September 2007 all businesses will be obliged to present prices in the euro, as well as the Cyprus pound.

KEVE Chairman Manthos Mavrommatis said the chambers and their members were committed to fair pricing and faithful compliance with the law regarding the adoption of the euro. He added that KEVE urge its members to adopt the fair pricing code and other practices to the benefit of consumers.

[04] BAGHDATIS - 2007 GOALS

My aim is to try to win as many matches as possible, but my biggest goal is to be amongst the ten best tennis players in the world, he said after meeting Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos. The 22 year old Cyprus champion, 19th in the Association of Tennis Players ranking (ATP), said he was honoured to have been received by the President.

The President congratulated me on my recent matches in the framework of the Davis Cup and wished me every success for my upcoming games, he added. Baghdatis leaves Monday for Canada and then for the US to participate in the ATP Masters Series Canada and the ATP Masters Series Cincinnati. He will then prepare for the US Open.

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