Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 08-09-23

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

CONTENTS

[01] US ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF STATE - CYPRUS FM

[02] UNSG SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE - CYPRUS QUESTION

[03] LEBANESE-CYPRIOT PRESIDENTS - MEETING

[04] US - CYPRUS - HUMAN RIGHTS

[01] US ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF STATE - CYPRUS FM

Daniel Fried, US Assistant Secretary of State, speaking after a meeting with Cyprus Foreign Minister Markos Kyprianou, said that the issues are tough.

But you have two leaders who respect each other, who are committed to reunification. Now is the time to do it, he added.

During the meeting, Fried and Kyprianou discussed the progress achieved so far at the process of the direct negotiations between Cyprus President Demetris Christofias and the Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat.

Referring to the meeting, Fried said that he had the pleasure and the honour of meeting the Foreign Minister of the Republic of Cyprus.

This was a good meeting. We discussed the progress the two sides are making in the negotiations. We welcomed the start of the negotiations and we have encouraged both sides to lead and find a way forward, Fried pointed out and added that the United States has always supported bi-zonal bi-communal federation, a reunified island.

Replying to a question, Fried noted that they had also discussed the situation in the South Caucasus and other issues of common interest.

We discussed the situation in Georgia and we also discussed the hope that if and as the Cyprus problem is resolved and the island reunify, this will obviously make things a lot easier between NATO and European Union in their cooperation.

Referring to bilateral relations, Fried said the US are grateful to the government of Cyprus for the help they gave us in the summer of 2006 with the massive evacuation. I havent forgotten that and our cooperation is pretty good. I am very happy.

[02] UNSG SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE - CYPRUS QUESTION

Speaking at a ceremony commemorating the International Day of Peace, organised by World War II Veterans Association, Zerihoun referred to the start of full-fledged negotiations between the leaders of the islands two communities. The opening of Ledra Street was the first of a series of measures we hope will build trust, and encourage Cypriots from both sides of the political divide to come together in ever greater numbers as they rebuild a common home in peace and prosperity, he said.

Zerihoun also pointed out that the veterans of the greatest war the world has witnessed are the embodiment of the conviction we hold in common: that Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots can unite for a greater good.

The President of Lebanon Michel Sleiman has assured President of the Republic of Cyprus Demetris Christofias that Lebanon will support Nicosia with regard to the Cyprus issue.

[03] LEBANESE-CYPRIOT PRESIDENTS - MEETING

Describing the meeting as friendly, Christofias said the President of Lebanon thanked us for the role we played during the crisis in Lebanon and assured that he will always be on our side.

[04] US - CYPRUS - HUMAN RIGHTS

The report notes that the US Government discusses religious freedom with the Government of Cyprus and the Turkish Cypriot authorities as part of its overall policy to promote human rights.

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