Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 09-02-06

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

CONTENTS

[01] SPOKESMAN CYPRUS ISSUE

[02] ELECTIONS OVERSEAS CYPRIOTS - VOTE

[01] SPOKESMAN CYPRUS ISSUE

Asked here Friday, to comment on the Turkish Cypriot leaders statements, Stephanou stressed that the aim is a solution of a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation, that will end the Turkeys occupation in Cyprus, and will reunify the country, the people and the economy of the island. A state with one sovereignty, one citizenship and one international personality, and with two communities that will have the co-administration of the one and common state, he added.

Invited to comment on the Turkish Foreign Ministers position regarding the treaties of guarantees and the need, as Turkish FM said, for these treaties to be part of the solution, the Spokesman pointed out that a member state of the European Union should feel secure within the Union.

As regards the Turkeys EU course, Stephanou stressed that Turkey has to meet its commitments towards the Union and Cyprus, and it is not possible for Turkey to join the EU as long as it occupies a significant part of Cyprus, an EU member state.

Replying to a question on the issue of the Cypriot-flagged ship, of Russian interests, ``Monchegorsk``, Stephanou said that the Republic of Cyprus takes all the necessary security measures for the ship. However, he added that the Government has not yet received the response of the UN Security Council Sanctions Committee on its request for an advice.

It has been alleged that the ship, which originated from Iran, was carrying arms and it was forced by a US military vessel to dock at Limassol port to have its cargo inspected, in order to establish whether there has been a breach of UN Security Council sanctions, as claimed.

[02] ELECTIONS OVERSEAS CYPRIOTS - VOTE

According to the new bill, those entitled to vote will have to be registered in the special election lists by 2 April to be able to vote in the European Parliament elections that will take place in Cyprus on 6 June.

It is estimated that around 30-40 voting centers will operate in Greece, England, the US, Russia, Australia, Canada, France, Libya, Dubai and wherever there are at least 50 registered voters to operate a polling station. Those who will vote are mainly Cypriot students and those working temporarily overseas and possess voting books.

The bill also provides that those wishing to become candidates will have to pay 500 euros instead of 250 Cyprus pounds as was the currency before Eurozone accession while the amount of money which a candidate can use to fund his or her campaign was changed to 25 thousand euros.

The amended bill details what newspapers can publish on the day prior to the elections and day of voting and any violations will be subject to one year imprisonment and/or a fine of up to 5000 euro.

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