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Thursday, 19 December 2024
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Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 07-11-20Cyprus News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Cyprus News Agency at <http://www.cyna.org.cy>CONTENTS
[01] EU COMMISSION - FMD - CYPRUSA European Commission committee has decided to continue monitoring closely the situation in Cyprus, following an outbreak of the Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD).A Commission press release said the Cypriot delegation gave an update on the Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) situation in the Republic of Cyprus to the Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health today. At today`s meeting, member states also received an update on the FMD situation in Cyprus. Since the disease was confirmed on the island in early November, eradication and control measures have been implemented by the Cypriot authorities. The situation continues to be monitored closely, the press release says. In addition to that, during the meeting, EU member states endorsed a proposal to further ease the FMD restrictions in the UK. The European laboratory in Britain, which carries out tests relating to FMD, is currently analysing new samples from the village of Koshi, southeast of the capital Nicosia, where animals are suspected of testing positive to FMD. Meanwhile in Cyprus, the government has said it has no intention to reduce compensation to farmers, afflicted by measures imposed in an effort to combat Foot and Mouth Disease and will continue to support them in every way. Speaking after a Council of Ministers meeting, Agriculture, Natural Resources and the Environment Minister Fotis Fotiou defended the course of action the government has taken, stressing that it had acted in line with EU directives. Cyprus does not have the luxury to decide on its own on such issues. It must follow EU rules and regulations, he said. [02] CHRISTOFIAS - SIOUFAS - JOINT ACTIONThe Greek and the Cypriot parliaments have outlined a joint course of action with a view to strengthen cooperation and draft concerted action with regard to Cyprus. The Speaker of the Greek Parliament Demetris Sioufas reiterated here today his firm support for a political settlement in Cyprus that would be viable and functional and be based on UN decisions and European Union laws and regulations.In statements to the press after meeting his Cypriot counterpart President of the House of Representatives Demetris Christofias, Sioufas also said the solution must be a bizonal bicommunal federation, adding that the Greek parliament will continue to afford its support to efforts to find a negotiated settlement that would reunite Cyprus, divided since the 1974 Turkish invasion. We have exchanged views and I proposed to twin the libraries of our respective parliaments and offered time on the air waves of the Greek parliament TV to present the activities of the Cypriot parliament, Sioufas said. They also agreed to broadcast jointly a programme to be aired on the Greco-cypriot radio station in London, with the support of the two parliaments, to promote the Greek language and culture. Christofias said there was identity of views and objectives on parliamentary affairs as well as on the question of Cyprus. [03] EU MEMBERS - BSEC - VETOA European Parliament committee has called for an end to the power of veto against European Union members, wishing to join the Organisation of Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC). The Committee on Regional Development has approved unanimously an opinion, tabled by Cypriot Euro MP Yiannakis Matsis on relations between the EU and countries of the Black Sea region.The Committee calls on the Commission to improve its relations with the BSEC and other regional organizations involved with economic and social development, particularly now that three member states of the Union are also members of the BSEC and that other Black Sea states are candidates for membership of the European Union, the draft text of the opinion says. A press release, issued by Matsis bureau, says that Cyprus candidacy for membership of the BSEC as an observer is blocked by Turkey, whose troops occupy Cyprus northern part since they invaded in 1974. Ankara does not recognize the Republic of Cyprus. The Committee on Regional Development calls on the Committee on Foreign Affairs, as the committee responsible, to incorporate suggestions in its motion for a resolution. [04] CULTURAL HERITAGE - EXHIBITIONThe continuing destruction of Cyprus cultural heritage, in the northern Turkish occupied part of the country, is the theme of a photo exhibition which has opened in Brussels and will run until the end of the month. The destruction of the cultural heritage in occupied Cyprus is not happening at some time in the past. The reality is that a country aspiring to join the European Union is party to this if not the instigator. And this is what I call scandalous, Belgian federal Senator Philippe Monfils, chairman of the Joint Parliamentary Cyprus-Belgium Group has said at the opening of the exhibition.He wondered whether Turkey actually realizes that it should not only comply with the acquis communautaire relating to economic and social matters but it should also show respect for the fundamental principles. Culture is indeed one of these fundamental principles, he stressed. He expressed regret at the stance UNESCO has adopted on the matter on the pretext that the northern areas of Cyprus are not recognized. In this respect, the Senator believes that UNESCO could have addressed itself to the Turkish Prime Minister asking him to intervene to stop the pillage of Greek Orthodox churches and monasteries and halt the illegal sale of ancient artifacts around the globe. Cyprus Foreign Minister Erato Kozakou Markoulli, who was also present at the opening of the exhibition, said this was merely a small sample of the tragedy and the repercussions of the 1974 Turkish invasion of Cyprus. One must never forget these unacceptable results, in the aftermath of the invasion, and we shall always condemn them and demand implementation of the principles on which the EU has been founded, she said. Cyprus News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |
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