Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 09-08-07

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

CONTENTS

[01] DEFENSE MINISTER - NATIONAL GUARD - CYPRUS PROBLEM

[01] DEFENSE MINISTER - NATIONAL GUARD - CYPRUS PROBLEM

Addressing the National Guard`s new recruits` oath-taking ceremony in Larnaca Basic Training Centre, Papacostas stressed however that while there are Turkish soldiers on the island, the Cypriot National Guard will be reinforced, strengthened and upgraded. `I hope that on this day next year we will have a solution to the Cyprus problem so that no army will be necessary because we all strive for the solution of the Cyprus problem with peaceful means to see at last a country free, united and to live all together, Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots peacefully in the country in which we were born and raised,`` Papacostas said.

However, he added, ``while there are Turkish soldiers on the island, while half of our country is occupied we will not be complacent, our concern will be the continued reinforcement, the strengthening and upgrading of the National Guard to prevent any hostile aggression.``

Replying to a question whether there is a final decision for the cancellation of military maneuver ``Nikiforos``, Papacostas said that the preparations for the maneuver are continuing.

Noting that the maneuver is scheduled for mid October, Papacostas said the decision whether to cancel the maneuver or not is political and will be considered in due time.

Invited to comment on press reports suggesting that the Turkish occupying forces are deepening the harbor of Kokkina, an enclave on the western coast of Cyprus where Turkish troops are stationed since 1964, Papacostas said the Defense Ministry is evaluating the information it gathered on the issue.

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