Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 09-05-11

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

CONTENTS

[01] SPOKESMAN CYPRUS GUARANTEES

[02] METROPOLITAN OF WARSAW AND ALL POLAND VISIT

[03] CYPRUS - EUROPE DAY - CELEBRATIONS

[04] EDUCATION MINISTER EU MEETING

[01] SPOKESMAN CYPRUS GUARANTEES

Speaking after the funeral of the remains of six people from the same family who were executed by Turkish Cypriots during the 1974 Turkish invasion of Cyprus, in the village of Palekythro, Stephanou said that the delay in the talks is due to the fact that the Turkish Cypriot side does not always submit positions which fall in the framework of what has been agreed as the basis for a solution to the Cyprus issue.

Invited to comment statements made by Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat that there cannot be a solution without Turkish guarantees, Stephanou said he agrees with Talats statement that the system of guarantees in Cyprus is anachronistic.

Cyprus, he added, is an EU member state and our aim is a reunited Cyprus, a federal Cyprus, to continue to be a member of the EU. The EU has a sufficient and capable framework to provide security and guarantees to the united Republic of Cyprus and all its citizens.

Therefore, the aim is to solve the Cyprus issue and through the EU, Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots can harvest the fruits of a solution and their EU membership. That is the prime aim, he added.

The Spokesman said that in his statements, Talat describes as exaggerated the positions which President of the Republic Demetris Christofias submits at the negotiating table. Is it exaggerated to pursue, through a solution, to restore and safeguard the human rights and fundamental freedoms of the entire people? the Spokesman questioned. So that all the people, Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots can live free, reconciled and be the chiefs of their island, Cyprus, he added.

The solution, he added, should be based on the principles of international and European law, on what has been agreed in the high level agreements 1977 and 1979 and it should safeguard the human rights and fundamental freedoms. This is the aim and that is why we should fight to reach a solution, he remarked.

Stephanou said the delay in the talks is not due to the lack of timetables but because the Turkish Cypriot side does not always submit positions in line with the framework of what has been agreed as the basis for a solution to the Cyprus issue, for a bizonal, bicommunal federation which is the agreement between the two communities since 1977 to solve and reunite Cyprus.

Invited to comment on Talats statement that he is the one who will decide the opening of the Limnitis checkpoint, Stephanou said He decides after both leaders agreed on 21st March 2008 that they will work towards opening more checkpoints with the priority of opening the Limnitis.

We have stated that we are ready to open Limnitis. We are waiting to hear from Mr. Talat and the Turkish Cypriot community, he concluded.

Christofias and Talat have been engaged in direct negotiations since September 2008 with a view to solve the question of Cyprus, which has been divided since 1974 when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third.

Several crossing points operate along the demarcation line, which divides Cyprus into the northern Turkish occupied areas and the southern government controlled part of the country, to facilitate movement of people.

[02] METROPOLITAN OF WARSAW AND ALL POLAND VISIT

A statement by the Archbishopric here Monday says that the Bishop will be received at Larnaca Airport on Friday afternoon by the Primate of the Orthodox Church on the island and members of the Holy Synod.

The official welcoming ceremony will take place on Friday morning by the Archbishop, members of the Holy Synod, the clergy and people.

[03] CYPRUS - EUROPE DAY - CELEBRATIONS

The event was organized by the European Commission delegation in Cyprus, in cooperation with the European Parliament Office in Cyprus, Cyprus Press and Information Office, Nicosia Municipality and Nicosia Traffic Accidents Department.

Addressing the event, EU Health Commissioner Androulla Vassiliou said the goal of the events is to bring citizens closer to European affairs and to express the unity which exists among all of us.

[04] EDUCATION MINISTER EU MEETING

The Council will hold exchange of views and adopt conclusions on evaluation of the current framework for European cooperation in the youth field. This will also be the subject of debate at the lunch of youth Ministers.

It will also adopt conclusions on partnerships between education and training institutions and employers in the context of lifelong learning. After an exchange of views, the Council will also adopt a new strategic framework for European cooperation in education and training until 2020.

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