Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 09-10-12

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

CONTENTS

[01] FM - CHRISTOFIAS - PAPANDREOU - MEETING

[02] COMMUNICATIONS MINISTER - CYPRUS - MARINE ACCIDENTS

[01] FM - CHRISTOFIAS - PAPANDREOU - MEETING

Speaking after a meeting he held with Vasileios Papaioannou, Greek Ambassador in Nicosia, Kyprianou said that Turkeys evaluation by the EU is the main issue of concern of the Cyprus government as well as the government of Greece. It will be the main issue to be discussed with the Greek Prime Minister next Monday, he added.

The Foreign Ministry has begun the implementation of a strategy decided by the National Council towards Turkeys accession course, Kyprianou said, noting that Cyprus position towards Turkeys EU orientation suggests that all the EU candidate countries should fulfill their obligations towards the EU and its member states. If not, there should be consequences, he added.

The punishment of Turkey is not our goal, he said underlining thought that if Ankara continues not to comply, there will be sanctions.

Commenting on recent statements made by EU officials, Kyprianou stressed that those who wish to help Turkey, should not appeal to the direct negotiation process between the two leaders in Cyprus. Contrarily, if they really wish to help the process, bearing in mind that the biggest obstacle to the negotiations is the Turkish stance, they should send a clear message to Turkey to comply with its obligations and especially those concern the solution of the Cyprus problem, by keeping a more constructive stance, Kyprianou stressed.

In addition, Kyprianou underlined that a common European decision on Turkeys EU course is the governments goal. If there is no consensus between the EU member states, the Republic of Cyprus is examining the possibility to block a number of the negotiation chapters, unilaterally or jointly with other member states.

Cyprus Foreign Minister also held today a meeting with a delegation from the Slovakian House of Representatives. The delegation comprises the Chairman and a member of the Parliamentary Committee on European Affairs. Kyprianou expressed the appreciation of the Republic of Cyprus towards the Slovakian government and the Parliament for their support towards Cyprus.

National Council, the top advisory body to the President of the Republic on the handling of the Cyprus question, comprises parliamentary political parties. In a four-day meeting last month, National Council reached a decision on the stance of Cyprus during the assessment of Turkeys EU course in December by the European Council.

Turkey, a country aspiring to become an EU member, does not recognise the Republic of Cyprus and keeps its ports and airports closed to Cypriot vessels and aircraft.

President Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat have been engaged in direct negotiations since September 2008 with a view to reach a settlement of the question of Cyprus, divided since 1974, when Turkish troops invaded and occupied its northern third.

[02] COMMUNICATIONS MINISTER - CYPRUS - MARINE ACCIDENTS

Nicolaides said that accident investigation in general and particularly marine accident investigation is an important service, offering invaluable knowledge to transportation. The trend, emerging through experience worldwide, is to establish independent bodies for the investigation of transportation accidents, thus assuring impartiality, objectivity and efficiency.

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