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Thursday, 18 April 2024
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Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 08-11-14Cyprus News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Cyprus News Agency at <http://www.cyna.org.cy>CONTENTS
[01] CHRISTOFIAS - UDI ANNIVERSARYPresident of the Republic Demetris Christofias said on Friday that, ``along with the condemnation of all facts of the occupation, we reaffirm our commitment to work hard for the salvation of Cyprus, for the reunification of our country and our people.````We extend a hand of friendship and cooperation to the Turkish Cypriot leadership and our Turkish Cypriot compatriots. We express our conviction that, if we all place the interests of Cyprus above everything else, we can achieve a solution of the Cyprus problem that will make Cyprus a land of peace, a land of freedom, a land of democracy, a land of security for all its children, a country of prosperity and progress. We will continue to struggle so that this vision becomes reality,`` he said. Speaking at the anti-occupation event organised in Nicosia by leftwing AKEL party to deplore the unilateral declaration of independence (UDI) of the puppet regime in the Turkish occupied areas of the island, on 15 November 1983, President Christofias called on ``everyone, Greek Cypriots, Turkish Cypriots, Armenians, Maronites and Latins, to join forces`` in the effort to reunite the island. ``We demonstrate our refusal to compromise with division, because division means destruction. We demonstrate our determination to continue to struggle and work towards a solution of the Cyprus problem that will reunite our Cyprus, reunite our people,`` he said. President Christofias pointed out that the UDI is illegal and that the UN have deplored this secessionist action. Referring to the direct negotiations he is engaged in with Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat, under UN auspices, to reach a settlement, President Christofias said ``we hope that soon we will conclude the discussion on the issue of governance,`` adding that ``we are still at the beginning of a process which, as we had predicted, will be difficult.`` President Christofias pointed out that ``collectedness, caution, patience, insistence on fundamental principles, determination and flexibility`` are necessary to reach a settlement, and assured that ``we will exhaust every possibility for this current effort to succeed.`` He noted that the UN and the EU were continuously briefed on the course of the negotiations, adding that the Government ``points out the necessity for them to exert their influence on Ankara.`` ``We neither entertain pessimism nor of course allow ourselves any illusions,`` he said, adding that in order to reach a solution, the political will of the Greek Cypriot side was not enough and that the Turkish Cypriot side had to respond. President Christofias pointed out that ``we are going through a critical stage in the Cyprus problem, which may prove to be the most decisive in its long course,`` adding that this called for unity among Greek Cypriots in order ``to strengthen our negotiating position.`` [02] IACOVOU - NAMI - EXECUTIVEThe aides of the leaders of the two communities in Cyprus, George Iacovou and Ozdil Nami, decided on Friday to bypass the issue of executive power and begin discussions on the legislative power.Speaking after a meeting with Nami, Iacovou said the positions of the two sides regarding the issue of governance are being recorded. The meeting lasted over two hours and was held in the presence of the UN Secretary General`s Special Advisor on Cyprus Alexander Downer and the UN Secretary General`s Special Representative in Cyprus Taye Brook Zerihoun. Iacovou said they decided to pass on to the third issue, which is the legislative power, bypassing the executive power, which they will go back to. [03] GOVERNMENT - SUPPORT MEASURESThe Government of Cyprus has announced a package of preventative measures worth 52 million euros to support the construction and tourism industries, so that they are not affected by the global financial crisis.Speaking after a meeting on the economy, President of the Republic Demetris Christofias sent positive messages regarding the Cypriot economy and announced his intention to meet with the Governor of the Central Bank, the Minister of Finance and the leaderships of banks, to examine the possibility of fluidity problems. Friday`s meeting was attended by the Minister of Finance, the Minister Commerce, Industry and Tourism, the Minister of Labour and Social Insurance, and the Minister of Communications and Works. President Christofias said the Government was investigating the possibility of using EU funds to support small and medium sized enterprises. [04] CYPRUS - EU - SCRAPIEThe Cypriot Government, awaiting the final decision of the European Commission regarding Scrapie, a fatal, degenerative disease affecting the central nervous system of sheep and goats, is making efforts in order to gain an extension of time, in order to convince France to change its position on banning the trading of meat and dairy products with FMD in all EU member states.The next meeting of the EU Standing Veterinary Committee has been scheduled for November 26. Cyprus is requesting an extension until January 2009, in order to present its arguments, with an aim to avert the huge financial ruin predicted if the French decision is adopted. Speaking after a meeting with state departments and rural organisations on the issue of Scrapie, Minister of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment Michalis Polynikis said ``the Government`s efforts are focusing on achieving the best possible results regarding the measures to be taken on behalf of the EU,`` adding that ``if the measures taken exclusively concern the positions of France, huge socioeconomic problems will arise for the country.`` Cyprus News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |
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