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Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 09-07-20Cyprus News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Cyprus News Agency at <http://www.cyna.org.cy>CONTENTS
[01] TURKISH INVASION 35 YEARSJuly 20, 2009, marks 35 years since the Turkish invasion and subsequent occupation of Cyprus` northern third.Today, Cyprus pays tribute to those killed during the invasion and those still missing, with memorials and other events in the government-controlled areas of the Republic. Air-raid sirens wailed at 0530 local time (0230 GMT), when the Turkish invasion began 35 years ago with the landing of Turkish troops on the island`s northern shores. In the morning, a memorial service for the army officers and soldiers killed during the invasion took place at Makedonitissa Tomb in Nicosia, in the presence of Cypriot President Demetris Christofias other officials and representatives of the Greek government and parliament. Later on, an official memorial ceremony will be held at Faneromeni Church in Nicosia in the presence of President Christofias. A series of other anti-occupation events will take place during the day. Political parties have issued statements condemning the Turkish invasion and occupation. [02] GREEK PM MESSAGEGreek Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis has stressed Greece`s firm commitment to the goal for the achievement of a just, viable and functional solution in Cyprus, without foreign intervention or technical timeframes.In his message on the 35th anniversary of the Turkish invasion against Cyprus on July 20th 1974, the Greek Prime Minister stresses that the agreement we all wish to be achieved through the ongoing Cyprus negotiations must bear the seal of the two communities, without intervention of third parties and without technical timeframes. The basis of the negotiations is the achievement of a bizonal, bicommunal federation with one and only sovereignty, one international personality and a single citizenship, he adds. The Greek Premier notes that the anniversary of the Turkish invasion against Cyprus is a day of remembrance, but also an occasion to reiterate and reassure of the firm commitment of all Hellenism to the goal for the achievement of a final, just, viable and functional solution in Cyprus. [03] IACOVOU CYPRUS TALKS TURKEYPresidential Commissioner George Iacovou has stressed that the acceptance of a solution based on a bizonal, bicommunal federation is the last point of compromise on behalf of the Greek Cypriot side and urged Turkey to change its intransigent stance and unacceptable positions.Iacovou, who was speaking Sunday in Limassol at the memorial service of those who lost their lives during the Turkish invasion of 1974, said that the main obstacle for the achievement of a solution in Cyprus is Turkeys intransigent stance and persistence on unacceptable positions. The acceptance of a bizonal, bicommunal federation is for us a historic compromise and the last point of compromise he stressed. [04] SPOKESMAN TURKEY - OILThe Republic of Cyprus continues to defend its sovereign rights through the procedures provided by the International law and its participation in the international organizations, Government Spokesman Stephanos Stephanou has said.Stephanou was commenting on the decision of Turkey to start explorations for hydrocarbon reserves outside the Exclusive Economic Zone of the country and very close to Cyprus Exclusive Economic Zone . I must say that the Republic of Cyprus, as we have previously responded when Turkey in a provocative way harassed vessels exploring for oil on behalf of the Republic, we defend our sovereign rights always on the basis of the International Law, he added. He noted that there is Law for these matters, is the Law of the Sea of 1982 of the UN Convention which is part of the International Law. Cyprus News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |