Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 08-07-15

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

CONTENTS

[01] CYPRUS - TRIBUTE TO THOSE KILLED IN 1974

[02] PRESIDENT - UNSG - MEETING

[03] HOUSE - COUP AND INVASION

[04] ARCHBISHOP - MOSCOW - VISIT

[01] CYPRUS - TRIBUTE TO THOSE KILLED IN 1974

The military coup paved the way for the Turkish invasion five days later which resulted in the occupation of 37% of the Republic`s territory.

A church service for those killed during the coup was held this morning at Saints Constantinos and Eleni Church in Nicosia, officiated by the primate of the church of Cyprus Archbishop Chrysostomos II in the presence of President Demetris Christofias, House of Representatives President Marios Garoyian, leaders or representatives of political parties, other political and military officials and relatives of those killed.

``These are days of remembrance which upset the soul of every honourable Cypriot, of every patriot. These are days of honour for the people who gave their most sacred thing, their life, to defend democracy and legality in this country,`` President Christofias said after the service.

He added ``at the same time these are hours of indignation because these 34 years elapsed (since the Turkish invasion) underline the size of the crime committed on July 15 1974. A crime the wounds it created are still open.``

``It is a necessity always to remember this crime and draw examples to forge our unity and intensify our efforts to put an end to the occupation and this unacceptable situation which violates the freedom and human rights of our people,`` he said, adding that if this situation continues ``the results will be worse.``

The President also stressed that ``on our part we will do our utmost, always within the framework of the initiatives we assumed and under the umbrella of the UN to conclude a difficult task, the reunification of our country and our people, the restoration of the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of a united, federal Republic of Cyprus.``

Addressing the ceremony, Cyprus Defence Minister Costas Papacostas said ``we commemorate the dead of the 1974 tragedy with a feeling of cautious optimism that the road to a Cyprus solution may open,`` adding that this hopeful message is a result of Demetris Christofias` election to the presidency.

Referring to the meetings between Christofias and Talat, he noted that both leaders ``made positive steps and straightened out the basis of the solution of the Cyprus problem.``

``They made clear that we speak of a solution of bizonal, bicommunal federation with a single sovereignty and citizenship and one international personality, based on political equality as defined by the relevant UN resolutions,`` Papacostas said.

He noted that after the establishment of the basis of the solution and the work being made in the working groups, set up after Christofias and Talat`s first meeting on March 21, the conditions to pass to the next level, which is the direct negotiations between the leaders ``are gradually created.``

``We hope the in the meeting of the two leaders on July 25 one more positive step will be made,`` he concluded.

[02] PRESIDENT - UNSG - MEETING

Speaking at Larnaca Airport, on his arrival from Paris, where he participated at the EU Summit for the Mediterranean, President Christofias said that the UN role in the process for a solution of the Cyprus problem will be auxiliary, and that the solution will come from the Cypriots and not from outsiders.

The European leaders and heads of states and governments in our region have expectations, regarding the new process aiming to the solution of the Cyprus issue, he added.

Referring to the meeting, he held in Paris with the UNSG, President Christofias assured that Ban has highly appreciated the effort being made right after Christofias election to the Presidency of the Republic of Cyprus.

[03] HOUSE - COUP AND INVASION

The 56-member parliament held an extraordinary plenary session on the occasion, attended by Cyprus President Demetris Christofias and members of his Cabinet.

The House observed a one-minute silence in memory of those killed defending democracy and the country.

Addressing the plenary, House President Marios Garoyan said the House condemns the July 1974 coup and the Turkish invasion. Once again we declare that we will never compromise with the results of the invasion, we will never accept the Turkish occupation, and we will never give up our struggle for asserting our just rights," he added.

[04] ARCHBISHOP - MOSCOW - VISIT

Speaking at Larnaca Airport before departing, Archbishop Chrysostomos II said that he would be holding talks with Patriarch Alexios and would be meeting other church and political figures.

He said he would have the opportunity "to thank them for the support we have always enjoyed in our national problem from Russia, and to renew these bonds."

The Archbishop, who will also be visiting sacred sites, will be accompanied by Bishops of Paphos, Limassol and Tamasos, and other Church officials.

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