Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 08-05-18

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

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

CONTENTS

[01] KAROYAN - CYPRUS TALKS

[02] CHRISTOFIAS - SUMMIT - MEETINGS

[03] PSEKA CONFERENCE 2008

[04] CYPRUS RALLY - LAST DAY

[01] KAROYAN - CYPRUS TALKS

He told reporters during a gathering for autistic children organized by the youth Association of the Democratic Party that it has become a regular theme for Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talats to insist on a timeframe of three months for direct talks to begin for a comprehensive settlement.

The 21st March agreement was clear and our position was lucid and straightforward from the start, that direct talks will take place if and provided substantial progress is achieved at the Working Groups and Technical committees, something which, unfortunately has not been achieved yet, Karoyan added.

Karoyan said that instead of insisting in his positions, Talat can substantially and positively contribute to bridging the gap to enable productive work be achieved.

We hope things develop in a different manner, to allow the two leaders start direct talks on all issues, Karoyan concluded.

Six working groups and seven technical committees, comprising experts from the Greek Cypriot and the Turkish Cypriot communities, have been meeting in the past weeks to prepare the ground for substantive negotiations between the two community leaders.

The meetings take place following an agreement in March between President Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat, who are set to meet in late June, according to the agreement, to take stock of the situation.

However, President Christofias, in statements last week, had said that the basis of negotiations to solve the Cyprus problem must be reassessed. He had acknowledged that there are difficulties and significant differences of views at the talks, in spite of the friendly atmosphere that prevails during the meetings.

In his statements, Defence Minister, Costas Papacostas stressed that everyones mission and commitment, Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots, is to make every possible effort to find a solution and for that patience and tolerance is required.

It is beyond belief to imagine that this island can be divided into two parts, to be partitioned, because a solution cannot be viable, he underlined.

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

[02] CHRISTOFIAS - SUMMIT - MEETINGS

In particular, President Christofias had meeting with his counterparts of Bolivia, Chile and Colombia. He also met President of Venezuela, Hugo Chavez.

[03] PSEKA CONFERENCE 2008

The conference is hosted by the International Coordinating Committee Justice for Cyprus (PSEKA) and the National Coordinated Effort of Hellenes (CEH).

During the conference, Greeces National Minister of Economy and Finance George Alogoskoufis and Cypriot Government Spokesman Stephanos Stephanou, will be honoured.

Conference participants will be meeting with the highest-level administration officials in charge of U.S. policy toward Cyprus, Greece and Turkey. Participants will also be meeting with over 30 key U.S. Senators and Members of Congress who serve on the pertinent committees and subcommittees and others who play a major role in the formulation of these matters.

[04] CYPRUS RALLY - LAST DAY

According to the last official update, Thomas was ahead with Savvas Savva second and Nasser Al-Attiyah from Qatar, third.

Crews were expected to cover on Sunday a further 456.04km, including 122.75km of Special Stages. The Finish Ceremony and prize giving will take place in Limassol.

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