Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 09-03-03

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

CONTENTS

[01] PRESIDENT EU ECONOMY

[02] FM AYSTRALIA VISIT

[03] SWEDISH FM CYPRUS ISSUE

[04] MINISTER RUSSIANS TENNIS SCHOOL

[01] PRESIDENT EU ECONOMY

Speaking at the informal European Council, which took place in Brussels, the Cypriot President noted that the world economic crisis continues to deteriorate, but said the crisis has not affected the banking system of Cyprus.

The Cypriot President referred to the measures adopted by the government to deal with the economic crisis, saying that ``the fiscal policy, which supports the sensitive fields of tourism and constructions, mostly affected by the crisis, will strengthen our economic development, taking into consideration the anticipated gradual reduction of interest rates``.

Our efforts to deal with the crisis fall within the framework of an overall European effort for economic recovery, he stressed.

President Christofias said that Cyprus supports a coordinated and united European voice on the issue.

Referring to employment, which is also affected by the crisis, the Cypriot President emphasized the need to strengthen the social dimension of the Lisbon Strategy and follow a more ambitious social policy.

We have to take measures for the vulnerable social groups. At the same time, we have to address the social impact of the increased mass firings, he said.

The EU leaders agreed that Europe must continue to act in a coordinated manner, by building confidence and promoting financial stability, getting the real economy back on track and by working together at the global level.

[02] FM AYSTRALIA VISIT

According to an official announcement, during his visit he will have talks with his Australian counterpart Stephen Smith and meetings with state officials of Australia.

He will also hold meetings with members of the Greek community of Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide and Canberra.

In Melbourne, Kyprianou, accompanied by the Mayor of Whittlesey, Mary Lalios, will visit countrys fire-affected areas.

[03] SWEDISH FM CYPRUS ISSUE

Presenting recently at the Swedish Parliament his Government`s Statement of Foreign Policy, Bildt noted that the reunification of Cyprus would mean increased security, freedom and welfare gains for the entire population of the island and for the region as a whole.

Bildt, whose country will hold the EU rotating presidency next semester, pointed out that a reunification would have a decisive influence both on Turkeys closer relations with the European Union and the prospects of improving coordination of NATO and EU peace and stability efforts.

[04] MINISTER RUSSIANS TENNIS SCHOOL

Apart from the Russians, interest in investing in Cyprus has been shown lately by businessmen in Quatar and Iran, he added.

Invited to comment on press reports, according to which Russian businessmen are interested in investing in the coastal town of Paphos to set up an international tennis school, he said he had already met with the interested investors adding that the issue is now in the hands of the town planning bureau. An effort will be made to set up an international tennis school in Cyprus so that young talents, from Russia and other countries, can come here to learn, following the standards of other similar schools abroad, he explained.

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