Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 07-11-08

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

CONTENTS

[01] FMD COMPENSATION

[02] MEPS - LEDRA STREET

[03] UN - CYPRUS

[04] EU - CIVIL PROTECTION

[01] FMD COMPENSATION

Our sound finances allow us to deal with this disastrous situation, which hit our economy, in an effective manner. The first cheques will be handed over to the affected stockbreeders by tomorrow, Friday, he said.

Sarris expressed hope that the Foot and Mouth Disease will be restricted but noted that in case the disease spreads, the government will be ready to tackle the situation

Meanwhile, the House Agriculture Committee which convened today was briefed about the new developments on the issue by Minister of Agriculture, Natural Resources and the Environment, Fotis Fotiou.

Fotiou said that following a decision by the EU experts, who are currently in Cyprus to help coordinate efforts to combat the disease, 50 pigs have been killed in a farm in the restricted zone of 3 kilometers in the Dromolaxia area, near the coastal town of Larnaca.

The Minister referred to the meetings he holds with EU specialist on animal disease Alberto Ladomada and said that the EU expert believes that the disease has been restricted in the area under supervision in Dromolaxia.

He also said he is in constant contact with EU Commissioner for Health Marcos Kyprianou and added that the Cypriot Commissioner is stressing the obligation of Cyprus to take all necessary measures dictated by the EU.

The Cyprus pound - euro conversion rate is set at 0,585274.

[02] MEPS - LEDRA STREET

The MEPs, currently visiting Cyprus, toured today cease-fire-line posts at Ledra Street in the southern government controlled areas of the Republic and in the northern Turkish occupied part of the country.

They said they would raise the issue with the leader of the Turkish Cypriot community Mehmet Ali Talat.

Nicosia Mayor Eleni Mavrou briefed the MEPs on efforts to open one of the capitals main commercial streets, Ledra Street, saying that it was important to open up a crossing for civilians without the presence of Turkish troops in the vicinity.

Earlier this year, the government of Cyprus demolished the wall, near the military observation post at the end of the street, which divides the capital, in an attempt to help efforts open a crossing point to and from the occupied areas that would allow people to cross in safety. The Turkish military, however, insists that army patrols in the area must continue and refuse to move their military posts.

Opening up Ledra Street will be a very important step, a symbol of hope and we need hope, even though we all understand that by opening up the street we are not solving the Cyprus problem, nor are we nearer a comprehensive settlement, Mavrou said.

She said that as far as Nicosia is concerned it could be a step forward in that it will help revive the old city, encourage people to have more contact, adding that the Presidents most recent proposals on the matter offer a new window of opportunity.

For us there is one issue that is of vital importance: Turkish troops will have to move out of the way and allow civilians to cross without fear of the military, the Mayor stressed, recalling that the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot sides had backed efforts on a local level to agree on a demilitarized zone around Ledra street.

I hope that an agreement can be reached soon, Mavrou added.

She handed over to the MEPs the Master Plan of Nicosia, noting that we would like to see a special project, a reconciliation project being implemented in the buffer zone and expressing hope that with your help we will be able to find a solution in this issue as well.

Coordinator of the Group, French MEP Francoise Grossetete said we are here to support you in this issue, for the reconciliation and we want to support all the possibilities to try to reconcile the two communities and this here is really a very important symbol. So we hope, like you.

Replying to questions, Grossetete expressed belief that Ledra Street will open.

MEP and member of the High-level Group, Francis Wurtz, said that both communities in Cyprus want to get closer.

In his statements, so called mayor of Turkish occupied part of Nicosia, Cemal Bulutoglulari, said that the Turkish Cypriots are ready to open Ledra Street, if the Greek Cypriot side agrees.

Nicosia is the world`s last divided capital.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkish troops invaded and occupied its northern third.

[03] UN - CYPRUS

Ordzhonikidze was speaking after receiving the credentials of Cyprus new permanent representative to the UN Office in Geneva, Ambassador Andreas Hadzichrysanthou, who is also accredited to other international organisations based in Switzerland.

An official statement said that during a meeting between the two, the Cypriot ambassador briefed Ordzhonikidze on the latest developments in Cyprus.

Ordzhonikidze reiterated UN interest in Cyprus and in efforts to solve the political problem on the island, which is divided since the 1974 Turkish invasion. He referred to the relevant UN Security Council resolutions.

He talked about the work carried out by the UN in Geneva, on a wide range of issues, including disarmament.

[04] EU - CIVIL PROTECTION

According to an official press release, the programme will take place from November 10 to 15, with the participation of 40 persons from EU member states.

The official launching of the programme will take place on November 11. Training will begin on November 10. The three-day exercise will be held from November 12 to 14.

According to the exercise plan, a severe earthquake hits Cyprus with loss of human life, material devastation and related occurrences, such as a tsunami, the leakage of chemical and toxic substances from factories, and other problems, leading the Republic of Cyprus to request the help of the EU.

The EU sends evaluation teams to the island, to visit services and organisations. Aircraft will also be used to this end, commuting the European participants in the exercise to the sites they must visit, according to the scenario.

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