Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 07-10-12

Cyprus News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

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

CONTENTS

[01] CYPRUS FM STATEMENT NIKIFOROS

[02] FM VISITS

[03] GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SYRIA

[04] CYPRUS BEIJING OLYMPIC GAMES

[01] CYPRUS FM STATEMENT NIKIFOROS

Commenting on a statement issued on Thursday by the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs criticising the Cypriot Government for carrying out the ``Nikiforos`` military exercise of the National Guard, the Cypriot Ministry notes that Turkey has reacted in a similar way in the past.

The Cypriot Ministry says that Turkey, which continues to occupy Cyprus` northern third, and continues to maintain about 43,000 Turkish troops in the occupied areas, in violation of international law, is now ``cynically questioning the inalienable right of an independent state to carry out defence exercises.``

``Obviously Ankara, which concerning the Cyprus problem is totally controlled by the Turkish army and its medieval attitudes and behaviours, believes that with such approaches it can transfer the attention of the international community from the substance of the problem, which is the semi-occupation of an EU member state by a country that aspires to become a member, and is trying to remove the attention of the public opinion of the country from its internal problems,`` the Cypriot Ministry points out.

The Ministry reiterates the immovable and sincere aim of the Government of the Republic of Cyprus for a functional and viable settlement of the Cyprus problem, based on UN resolutions and EU principles.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third.

[02] FM VISITS

According to an official press release, the agenda includes the Intergovernmental Conference for the Reformed EU Convention, Iran, Iraq, Western Balkans, as well as a proposal submitted by the Greek government regarding the enhancement of the EU natural disasters mechanism.

On Tuesday, Markoullis will depart for Vienna to address the Diplomatic Academy and give a speech on Cyprus: The European past, present and future.

[03] GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SYRIA

``We express our regret that yet another route has begun, at a time when we are in contact with the Syrian government. This of course does not help create the climate we are seeking in view of the dialogue,`` Palmas added.

Replying to questions, Palmas said ``the government of Georgia, with a note verbale, has decided to remove the Turkish ship flying a Georgian flag from its register, and this has to do with the stance and attitude of Turkey regarding the sea route from Turkish occupied Famagusta to Latakia in Syria.``

[04] CYPRUS BEIJING OLYMPIC GAMES

President of the Cyprus Olympic Committee Kikis Lazarides told a press conference titled ``The Road to Beijing``, that ``we estimate that our delegation to the 2008 Beijing Olympics will consist of 16 to 20 athletes, both men and women.``

``We have every reason to be optimistic. We will endeavour to give all possible assistance to all the athletes of our pre-Olympic team,`` he added.

Chinese Ambassador to Cyprus Zhao Yali told the press conference that ``the Beijing Olympic Games are not only an event of great significance to China itself, but also a grand celebration of peace and friendship for all over the world.``

``China and Cyprus maintain extensive and thorough cooperation in the field of sports. It is our sincere hope that Beijing can be a blessing for Cypriot athletes to make a breakthrough in the forthcoming Olympic Games of Beijing, particularly in shooting, tennis and high jumping,`` he added.

Cyprus News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article