Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 08-09-28

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

CONTENTS

[01] GREEK TURKISH FMs UNSG CYPRUS

[02] PAPANDREOU TURKEY CYPRUS

[01] GREEK TURKISH FMs UNSG CYPRUS

In statements after the meeting, they both expressed their support towards the ongoing efforts, which began between the leaders of the two communities in Cyprus, Cypriot President Demetris Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat, with the aim to reach a solution of the Cyprus problem.

Meanwhile, the Greek Minister met in New York with UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, whom she briefed on Greeces positions regarding the Cyprus issue. Other issues they discussed were the name of FYROM and UN reforms. Bakoyannis also invited the UN Secretary General to Athens for the deliberations of an international meeting on immigration that will take place next year.

Referring to the Cyprus issue, after her meeting with her Turkish counterpart, Bakoyannis said negotiations began on the island and the Greek and Turkish sides encourage the two leaders to work to reach an agreement for a solution.``

In his statements, the Turkish Minister said ``we discussed the Cyprus issue and the ongoing negotiations,`` adding that, ``I believe it is an important opportunity that we now have two leaders on the island who wish to solve issues.

We fully support the process and we encourage the two leaders to conclude the negotiations in order to reach an overall solution, Babacan said.

The Greek and Turkish Ministers of Foreign Affairs also discussed Greco-Turkish relations and the situation in Georgia.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third.

A fresh attempt to reach a solution of the Cyprus problem began this September when the leaders of the two communities in Cyprus, Cypriot President Demetris Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat, began substantive negotiations with a view to reunify Cyprus.

[02] PAPANDREOU TURKEY CYPRUS

Addressing an event organised by Greek overseas PASOK organisations in Astoria, New York, Papandreou said Greece has managed, despite the objections of the great powers, to help the Republic of Cyprus become an EU member state, and thus enjoy conditions of security.

But it is unacceptable, and our message is clear, that in the year 2008 there is still occupation in Cyprus, he stressed, referring to Turkey`s invasion against Cyprus in 1974 which resulted in the occupation of 37% of Cyprus` territory.

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