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Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 09-07-27Cyprus News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Cyprus News Agency at <http://www.cyna.org.cy>CONTENTS
[01] SPOKESMAN - NEGOTIATIONSGovernment Spokesman Stephanos Stephanou said on Monday that it would be premature if the Government estimated the prospects of the direct negotiations, in view of the completion of the first round of negotiations soon.Stephanou, who was speaking Monday to the London Greek Radio (LGR), was answering a question on whether this period is right for an assessment of the negotiation process. Stephanou said that in the middle of the negotiations it is difficult to say how things will evolve further. According to all developments that we have seen so far on the negotiation table, I would say that there are many things that need to be changed in order to open the door for a solution in Cyprus», he said. Stephanou pointed out that the Government recommends patience and to remain calm in relation to statements that cause public discontent, which should be avoided. He added that the Greek Cypriot side would continue negotiations with the same determination, consistency in principles and flexibility, in order to pave the way for a solution. He also said that Greek Cypriot side would use all means available to help the whole process. Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. Talks between the leaders of the two communities began in September last year to find a negotiated settlement to reunite the country. [02] MINISTER CYPRUS INVESTEMENTSMinister of the Interior Neoclis Sylikiotis assures that ``property investment is much safer in Cyprus than anywhere else`` and notes that, ``despite the global financial crisis and the collapse of the property market all around the world, and in much of Europe, the estate market in Cyprus is quite healthy and still in positive growth rate.````For some time now, there has been an attempt, driven mainly from foreign media, to present the Republic of Cyprus as an unreliable place for investment in the property market due to a problem of issuing title deeds. The Ministry of the Interior and I have repeatedly, and in multiple ways, stated that those allegations are entirely unsustainable, and, in any case, they ignore our serious efforts for the reformation of the whole system of issuing property titles in Cyprus,`` he says in an article. He notes that ``our policy aims to boost the property market in Cyprus, introducing effective and comprehensive practices for solving this problem`` and that, ``within this context, the Ministry of the Interior has already completed the drafting for the amendment of four legislations concerning property registration and building permission procedures.`` ``The amendment of the four legislations primarily aims to address the current full dependency of the procedure for issuing title deeds of separate housing units in comprehensive housing projects from the will and initiative of the owner-seller. Also, provisions will be introduced which will allow the competent authorities to encourage developers to apply for the issuing of title deeds. In addition, the measures entail new regulations, which will enable the issue of permits for certain irregularities to buildings that are not covered by permit, by imposing appropriate conditions and obligations in respect to the compensation of such irregularities,`` he says. [03] STAVRAKIS INTEREST RATESFinance Minister Charilaos Stavrakis has urged commercial banks to lower their interest rates on loans yet again to help relieve Cypriots during the economic crisis.The Minister also said there was no personal disagreement with Central Bank Governor Athanasios Orphanides but rather a difference of opinions. There should always be dialogue with the Central Bank and other institutions to obtain good performance for the economy. The estimations we have is that we have the highest rate of development in Europe, the second lowest levels of unemployment, which proofs that the economic policy of the government of Demetris Christofias is yielding results, the Minister noted. He said the Central Bank has made many suggestions on economic measures which the government could take, many of which we fully agree with and other which we believe are not the right ones, he added. [04] PORT LIMASSOL ARRIVALSArrivals at Limassol Port were down, just as it was predicted, Communications and Works Minister Nicos Nicolaides said during a visit to Limassol Port on Monday.He repeated that governments efforts are underway to support tourism during the economic crisis. Regarding arrivals at Limassol Port, Nicolaides said that these are down, just as it was expected. It seems there is a 25-30% decrease in travelers who are on extended cruise ship vacations and an increase in the arrivals of travelers who are paying a one-day visit to Cyprus during their stopover. Cyprus News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |