Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 08-02-13

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

CONTENTS

[01] EU FM - ARAB LEAGUE

[02] ECOFIN - MEETING

[03] COMMISSIONER - MESSAGE

[04] BÁGHDATIS - MARSEILLE

[01] EU FM - ARAB LEAGUE

An official press release says that the Cypriot FM met her counterparts from Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Morocco, Mauritania, and Yemen as well as with Deputy Foreign Ministers of Iraq and Tunisia.

The minister discussed the prospects of increased bilateral cooperation and emphasised the need to reach a Cyprus solution based on the relevant UN resolutions and to resume negotiations on the basis of the July 2006 agreement, which the UN has brokered between the Greek Cypriot and the Turkish Cypriot communities.

She outlined Turkeys partitionist policy, especially at the Organisation of Islamic Conference, and asked for the support of Arab countries to reunify Cyprus, divided since the 1974 Turkish invasion.

The common position expressed during the meetings was respect of the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of the Republic of Cyprus as well as full compliance with international law and order and relevant UN Security Council resolutions, the press release said.

The first meeting of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the EU and the League of Arab States was attended by EU Foreign Ministers, the Arab League, the EU High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy, the Commissioner for External Relations and the Secretary General of the Arab League. The meeting was under the co-chairmanship of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Slovenia, Dr. Dimitrij Rupel, of Saudi Arabia, His Royal Highness Prince Saud Al-Faisal, and of Malta Dr. Michael Frendo.

In her intervention at the meeting, the Cypriot Foreign Minister referred to her recent visits to Egypt, Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, the Palestinian Authority, Libya, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, where she witnessed the unequivocal wish of the Arab world to work closer with one of its most important partners, the EU, on an array of political, economic and other issues of mutual concern.

She said that for Cyprus, as a matter of principle and respect for the UN Charter, foreign military occupation is unacceptable, wherever it takes place, be it in the Palestinian territories, in the Syrian Golan or in Cyprus.

Marcoullis said that Cyprus is very supportive of continuing this dialogue and of streamlining cooperation in a more concrete and result oriented way.

In their final communique, the Ministers stressed the importance of a dialogue between the 27 EU member states and the 22 member states if the Arab League.

The Ministers considered that there are a number of potential areas that deserve to be explored in existing frameworks and recognised that these could be used to continue dialogue between the European Commission and the Arab League Secretariat.

They also reaffirmed their support for the current Israeli Palestinian negotiations which are the only way to achieve a peaceful two state solution. Only a comprehensive political agreement can deliver sustainable security for all peoples of this region.

The Ministers expressed deep concern about the situation in Gaza and called for the immediate re-opening of the crossings between Gaza and Israel, so that essential goods and services, including fuel, can be supplied on a continuous basis.

On Lebanon, they reiterated their firm denunciation of all attempts to undermine security, stability and national unity in Lebanon.

The Ministers called upon all parties to work responsibly for the implementation without delay of the Arab Plan and to refrain from all acts that could disturb public order and security in Lebanon.

On Iraq, they stressed the importance of respecting the unity, integrity and sovereignty of Iraq and called for advancing the process of national reconciliation among the Iraqi people.

They also affirmed their concerns at the consequences of climate change and considered that the EU and the League of Arab States have an obligation to their peoples to combat global warming.

[02] ECOFIN - MEETING

Cyprus was represented at the ECOFIN by Finance Minister Michalis Sarris.

Ministers concluded that ongoing financial turmoil, the slowdown in the US and continued high oil and commodity prices have sharpened downside risks and external imbalances are emerging in some member states. However, despite a less favourable environment and increasing uncertainty, the EU has solid fundamentals which underpin growth.

[03] COMMISSIONER - MESSAGE

In a message on the occasion of her recent affirmation before the President of the Republic, Koursoumba says she will make sure that children`s rights are promoted and that children enjoy protection, services and participation in decision-making and procedures concerning them, without any discrimination.

``My vision is for every child living in Cyprus to enjoy the implementation of the principles and provisions of the Convention on Children`s Rights,`` she points out.

Koursoumba adds that the appointment of a Commissioner for the Protection of Children`s Rights gives children a voice on all levels, so they can promote their views and have an active participation in matters concerning them, with all their rights secured.

[04] BÁGHDATIS - MARSEILLE

Bagdatis will now meet, in the second round, the winner of the match between Ivo Karlovic (CRO) and Feliciano Lopez (ESP).

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