Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 09-07-10

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

CONTENTS

[01] PRESIDENT CHRISTOFIAS - CYPRUS QUESTION

[02] CHRISTOFIAS - TALAT - TALKS

[03] HOUSE - SMOKING - BAN

[04] KYPRIANOU - MIDDLE EAST

[01] PRESIDENT CHRISTOFIAS - CYPRUS QUESTION

Addressing Thursday evening an event organised by Strovolos Municipality and the Turkish occupied Municipalities of Cyprus, the President noted that this goal is not easy to achieve, but it is a necessary and feasible goal.

We pursue solution and reunification. But the solution should be an agreed one, in the framework of a bizonal, bicommunal federation with political equality, as defined in the relevant UNSC resolutions. A federal state with a single sovereignty, international personality and citizenship, he stressed.

The President added that the Greek Cypriot side pursues an honorable compromise which will be acceptable by all the people of Cyprus and will safeguard human rights for all citizens.

The solution of the Cyprus problem, he went on to note, must be a Cypriot solution, that will allow Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots, Maronites, Latins, Armenians, to live together under conditions of peace, prosperity and security. A solution that would safeguard the interests of Cyprus and its people, so that, when put into a referendum before the people, it can be acceptable.

Christofias underlined that the ongoing Cyprus talks, which are being carried out under UN auspices, is a procedure which belongs to Cypriots themselves and should be without foreign intervention, timeframes or arbitration by third parties.

The priority of Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots must be their common interest as citizens of a European state and not any other foreign interests, he noted.

Referring to Turkey, President Christofias said that Ankaras role is undoubtedly very decisive as regards prospects for a Cyprus solution and recalled that Turkeys obligation to contribute constructively to efforts to solve the Cyprus problem is included in the EU Turkey negotiating framework.

The President called on the international community to exert its pressure on Turkey so that Ankara realises that a just, viable and functional solution will not only serve its interests and facilitate its EU accession course, it will also contribute to lasting peace in the wider region.

He said that despite the fact that 35 years have passed since the Turkish invasion of 1974, the desire to return and reunify our homeland cannot diminish, neither through the lapse of time, nor because of difficulties.

President Christofias said that the Cypriot people, with patience, persistence and determination, continue their struggle and long for the day when we will be going to Morphou, Kyrenia, Famagusta and all our occupied villages, not as visitors, but we will actually live there, where our ancestors have lived, in peace, together with our Turkish Cypriot compatriots.

[02] CHRISTOFIAS - TALAT - TALKS

Speaking on his return to the Presidential Palace after his meeting with Talat, President Christofias noted that ``the discussion on the issue of security began, the first views were presented by the leaders of the two communities and we will continue next week.``

Replying to questions, President Christofias said he is in consultation with the leaders of the political parties to convene the National Council, the top advisory body to the President on the handling of the Cyprus problem.

He added that the parties are fully briefed on the course of the negotiations at meetings of party leaders with the President, during meetings of the National Council or over the telephone. The President also noted that he was still expecting all the parties to submit their views on various aspects of the Cyprus problem.

[03] HOUSE - SMOKING - BAN

Out of the 31 MPs who took part in the vote, 27 voted for the proposed bill to ban smoking, 3 voted against while there was 1 abstention. The bill had been drawn up and submitted by the main opposition party, the Democratic Rally.

Smoking is allowed only in open and outside areas. The law provides for a fine for those who violate its provisions but no prison sentence. In particular, the law provides for no more that 1000 euro as penalty for not posting a sign indicating that smoking is not allowed in a specific area, while whoever violates the provisions of the law as a smoker or owner of an establishment, he/she will have to pay a fine of no more than 2000 euro.

[04] KYPRIANOU - MIDDLE EAST

Kyprianou, who will visit Israel on Saturday, told CNA that he will meet his Israeli counterpart and other members of the Israeli government, as well as the opposition leader.

It will be a short visit, but it will give me the opportunity to discuss with my interlocutors bilateral relations, our positions and those of the EU on the Middle East peace process, he said.

Kyprianou noted that Cyprus firmly supports a settlement providing two states in the region, a Palestinian state and an Israeli state.

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