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Monday, 18 November 2024 | ||
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Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 09-07-09Cyprus News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Cyprus News Agency at <http://www.cyna.org.cy>CONTENTS
[01] LEADERS - CYPRUS TALKSPresident of the Republic of Cyprus Demetris Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat began their 36th meeting on Thursday, in the context of UN-led direct negotiations to reach a settlement of the Cyprus problem.During Thursday`s meeting, the leaders of the two communities are expected to begin discussions on the chapter concerning security. Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. [02] CHRISTOFIAS ABBASPresident of the Republic Demetris Christofias discussed the Cyprus problem and the Middle East issue with the President of the Palestinian Authority and Chairman of the PLO Executive Committee, Mahmoud Abbas who is currently on the island on an official visit.In statements after the meeting, President Christofias thanked Abbas and the Palestinian Authority for their firm and consistent stance in supporting the struggle of the Cyprus people and the positions of the Republic of Cyprus both within the Organisation of Islamic Conference and the Arab world in general, as well as internationally. Abbas, speaking through an interpreter, expressed his appreciation and thanks for Cyprus continuous and firm support to the Palestinian cause and the struggle of the Palestinian people to restore their rights and create an independent state in the framework of a two state solution, an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital». President Christofias noted that the brotherly relations between the people of Cyprus and the Palestinian people have developed through the struggle for the liberation of the Palestinian territories and the creation of an independent Palestinian state with territorial integrity and East Jerusalem as its capital and the struggle by the people of Cyprus to put an end to the Turkish occupation and reunify the country. Abbas noted that Cyprus support for the road map and the Arab initiative to solve the Middle East problem strengthens to a great extent the efforts of the Palestinian people in the negotiations with Israel. He welcomed the decision of Cyprus to establish a delegation in Ramallah, noting that this was something which further strengthened relations between the two people. [03] COMMISSION - TURKISH CYPRIOTS - AID PROGRAMMEThe European Commission approved an aid programme for the Turkish Cypriot community which aims to facilitate the reunification of Cyprus, divided since the Turkish invasion of 1974.According to a Commission press release, the Commission approved the annual report for 2008 on the implementation of the aid programme for the Turkish Cypriot community. The aid programme, the report says, aims to facilitate the reunification of Cyprus by encouraging the economic development of the Turkish Cypriot community with particular emphasis on the economic integration of the island, on improving contacts between the two communities and with the EU, and on preparation for the EUs legal order. Cyprus News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |