Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 09-10-30

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

CONTENTS

[01] PRESIDENT - EU COUNCIL

[02] LEADERS - CYPRUS TALKS

[03] CYPRUS - INDIA - COOPERATION

[04] ROMANIAN ARMY CHIEF - CYPRUS

[01] PRESIDENT - EU COUNCIL

Speaking after the European Council, President Christofias said he had received assurances by all his European partners that the exemption of the Czech Republic from the Charter will not affect Cyprus nor will it become a precedent in the case of Cyprus.

Christofias expressed satisfaction with the Presidency conclusions of the EU Council on climate change, immigration and the economic and financial situation.

Referring to the Lisbon Treaty, President Christofias said that after the exemption given to Czech Republic, the EU is moving towards the final ratification of the Treaty.

Furthermore, he noted that during the two-day summit there was no reference to names for the posts of EU President and EU High Representative for Foreign Policy.

In his intervention during the dinner of the 27 EU head of states and governments, President Christofias made it very clear that the exemption to the Czech Republic cannot be regarded as a precedent as far as Cyprus is concerned. ``The 26 leaders explicitly assured me that this exemption does not concern Cyprus``, he added.

On climate change, President Christofias said that in the conclusions there is a condition for financial aid to developing countries.

``The EU wants to be a pioneer, under the condition that developing countries will also undertake their responsibilities``, for climate change, said Christofias, expressing Cyprus` consent to this.

Speaking during the Council working sessions, the President pointed out the Cyprus is already facing the effects of climate change, as it is suffering from drought.

``I said that Cyprus is already a victim of climate changes and I referred to the 67,5 million Euro state funding for farmers and the import of drinking water that has cost approximately 60 million euro``, he added.

On illegal immigration, President Christofias said he was pleased with what had been decided and was included in the Council conclusions.

As far as the economic situation is concerned, Christofias said he had asked the Council to include in its conclusions a stronger reference with regard to the need to enhance the social dimension of measures taken to tackle the global financial crisis.

[02] LEADERS - CYPRUS TALKS

An UNFICYP press release issued here today notes that the meeting will start at 1600 local time (1400 GMT) and will take place in the UN Protected Area of Nicosia.

Speaking to the press after the last meeting between the two leaders on October 27, Alexander Downer, UN Secretary-General Special Adviser on the Cyprus problem, said that the two leaders will return to the chapter of property and will discuss the criteria concerning this issue, which he described as ``one of the most difficult issues`` of the Cyprus problem. Property was also discussed on October 22.

[03] CYPRUS - INDIA - COOPERATION

The Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) organised on Friday a forum on business and economic cooperation between Cyprus and India, which was attended by President of India, Shrimati Pratibha Devisingh Patil, who is, as of yesterday, on an official visit here.

A press release issued by the CCCI notes that in their address to the forum both the Minister of Justice and Public Order Loucas Louca, on behalf of the President of Cyprus, and Patil underlined the readiness of their governments to support the expansion of business and economic cooperation between Cyprus and India.

Both speakers highlighted the long-standing friendship and the ties between the two countries. They also pointed out the big prospects of increasing Cypriot exports to India, as well as the opportunities for Indian investment in Cyprus.

[04] ROMANIAN ARMY CHIEF - CYPRUS

According to an official press release, issued here Friday, during the visit, Admiral Gheorghe Marin and his entourage will meet the Minister of Defence Costas Papacostas and visit National Guard units.

The official welcoming ceremony will be held on Monday, at the National Guard General Staff Headquarters.

Talks between the two Chiefs on defence matters and relations between the National Guard and the Romanian Armed Forces will follow the ceremony.

Admiral Gheorghe Marin will be briefed about the mission of the National Guard, the press release concludes.

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