Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 09-07-12

Cyprus News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

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

CONTENTS

[01] SPOKESMAN-TALKS

[02] CYPRUS FLU NEW CASES

[01] SPOKESMAN-TALKS

Stephanou who was invited to comment on information published in the local Press regarding the prospects of a Cyprus solution, called the Cypriot people to stay calm, be cautious and focused on the goal of a solution in Cyprus, noting that in such a crucial period of the negotiations a lot of information and rumors will be circulated.

The ownership of the processes belongs to the Cypriots. The leaders of the two communities will decide how to manage the process in order to help resolve the Cyprus problem, he said.

Invited to comment on a press report that the give-and-take process in the negotiations will start soon, Stephanou said we are still in the first stage, in what we call the first reading, adding that a second reading will certainly follow.

Asked about information in the press that the EU is ready to discuss the possibility of failure of the talks and the promotion of Taiwan-style state in the occupied areas of Cyprus, Stephanou replied that all these are information and scenarios.

Speaking earlier at a memorial service held in Larnaca to honour the memory of four men killed defending democracy during the military coup against the Government of the Republic of Cyprus in 1974, which was followed by a Turkish invasion and the occupation of Cyprus northern part, Stephanou said that the only way to a solution in Cyprus problem is the peaceful intercommunal dialogue between Greek and Turkish Cypriots.

He also noted that a bizonal, bicommunal federation is the only way to restore territorial integrity, sovereignty and freedom in Cyprus.

Stephanou pointed out that the intercommunal dialogue is the joint effort made by Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities to reach a mutually acceptable and agreed solution that will serve the interests of both communities and all the people of Cyprus.

He also stressed that both Greek and Turkish Cypriots need to understand that the present situation in Cyprus is a dynamite to the foundations of our common homeland.

Stephanou said that the Government fully understands that the lapse of time consolidates the division, adding that for that reason President Christofias since his election is working hard to overcome the stagnation and to resume dialogue.

The Government Spokesman once again clarified that the intercomunal dialogue is based on the framework of a bizonal, bicommunal federation with political equality, as defined in UN Security Council resolutions for a state with a single sovereignty, citizenship and international personality.

During the preparatory period the leaders of the two communities, President Christofias and Talat have concluded on this basis, on which the negotiation is conducted, Stephanou said.

He also said that the bizonal, bicommunal federation is a historical compromise of the Greek Cypriot side, aiming to overcome occupation and it is the only way to restore territorial integrity, sovereignty and freedom in Cyprus.

Stephanou assured that President Christofias will continue negotiation and dialogue, demonstrating the same determination, flexibility, consistency and dedication to the values for a settlement in Cyprus.

Cyprus President Demetris Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat have been engaged in direct negotiations under UN auspices since September 2008 with a view to solve the problem of Cyprus, divided since the Turkish invasion of 1974.

[02] CYPRUS FLU NEW CASES

According to the announcement, four of the new cases concern Cypriots. Fifteen persons with flu symptoms were subjected to laboratory tests on Saturday.

So far, 515 persons with flu symptoms have been subjected to laboratory tests and 258 have been diagnosed with the virus. A number of 176 of the affected persons have recovered.

Cyprus News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article