Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 09-07-14

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

CONTENTS

[01] PRESIDENT CHRISTOFIAS CYPRUS ISSUE

[02] ECHR REJECTS TURKISH DEMANDS

[03] US CYPRUS EXCHANGE OF RATIFICATION INSTRUMENTS

[04] CYPRUS AUSTRIA EDUCATION RESEARCH AGREEMENT

[01] PRESIDENT CHRISTOFIAS CYPRUS ISSUE

The Cypriot President clarified that he has not given any alternative suggestions for the continuation of the guarantor systems and reiterated, Our position is that Cyprus does not need any guarantees.

In statements to the Press after a visit he had paid to the Institute of Neurology and Genetics, President Christofias underlined that the people of Cyprus have suffered as a result of the guarantors, adding that he does not suggest Cypriots or some Cypriots do not bear any responsibility.

However, he said, as people who have suffered we would not like the continuation of guarantees. We have stated this position in public and during the negotiations, we submitted our argumentation to support it, and the negotiation process continues.

Finally, Christofias dismissed comments regarding the negotiations and namely the issue of red lines, underlining that he does not discusses or accepts any red lines set by Turkey.

Cyprus, which joined the EU in 2004, has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. The leaders of the two communities in Cyprus have been engaged in UN-led direct negotiations since September 2008, with an aim to reunite the island.

President Demetris Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat began the discussion of issues relating to guarantees, during their 36th meeting on July 9.

[02] ECHR REJECTS TURKISH DEMANDS

Turkey demanded that 12 appeals by Greek Cypriots, for which the Court had condemned Turkey, are referred to the Courts plenary. Moreover, Turkey demanded that 20 more Greek Cypriot applications against Turkey are frozen. The ECHR has rejected both demands.

In statements to CNA, lawyer Achilleas Demetriades said that the rejection of Turkeys first demand by the Court is a very important development, since this decision reaffirms the current position of the Court, namely that Turkey continues to violate human rights of Greek Cypriots who have properties in the areas which are under Turkish occupation since 1974.

He added that after the summer break the Court would decide on the amount of damages that Turkey would have to pay for violating the property rights of Greek Cypriots.

[03] US CYPRUS EXCHANGE OF RATIFICATION INSTRUMENTS

Speaking after the ceremony, the Minister of Justice said the agreements aim to strengthen international efforts to combat terrorism and cross-border crime, as well as to safeguard the rights of suspects and accused persons.

Louka assured the American Ambassador that Cyprus will work closely with both the U.S. and its European partners, to combat the ever increasing cross-border crime and terrorism, and will intensify the efforts to achieve the common goals.

Frank Urbancic said he was pleased that the two countries were ready to have the signing of the instruments, which will be put into force when the last two EU countries (Greece and Belgium) ratify them.

[04] CYPRUS AUSTRIA EDUCATION RESEARCH AGREEMENT

Hahn was speaking during a scientific conference held in Cyprus with the participation of the Ministry of Education and Culture of Cyprus and the Ministry of Science and Research of Austria.

Addressing the Cypriot Minister of Education, Hahn said that the conference is the start of a close cooperation that will continue in Austria, during an international meeting in August.

He added that during their next meeting, the Austrian and Cypriot Ministers would sign an initial agreement covering cooperation in education and research, since they have already agreed on the need of bilateral agreements that will give impetus to the activities within a broader European project.

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