Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 09-11-05

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

CONTENTS

[01] UN SG - CYPRUS PROBLEM

[02] SPOKESMAN - NEGOTIATIONS

[03] CYPRUS - SERBIA - MOU

[04] CYPRUS - INFLATION

[01] UN SG - CYPRUS PROBLEM

Addressing the Hellenic Parliament, Ban said there is now a unique opportunity to solve the Cyprus problem.

The UN chief visited the Hellenic Parliament on Thursday and met with President of the Parliament Philippos Petsalnikos. He then addressed the Greek MPs in the Senate hall in the presence of Prime Minister George Papandreou, members of the Council of Ministers, the Chairpersons of the Parliamentary Committees and former Presidents of the Parliament.

Petsalnikos awarded the gold medal of the Parliament to the UN Secretary General in recognition of the role of the UN in the promotion of peace and cooperation, as well as the UN Secretary General`s initiatives in this direction.

Addressing the UN Secretary General from the Senate hall, Petsalnikos said that Greece supports the implementation of international law regulations and the UN Charter.

Referring to the Cyprus problem, he said Greece supports a viable, just and functional settlement, based on UN resolutions and EU principles and values.

Addressing the MPs, Ban said it was a great honour to be the first UN Secretary General to address the Hellenic Parliament.

He also referred to the major challenges in which Greece could greatly contribute, noting that the four main fronts were climate change, the broader dissemination of financial opportunities, the strengthening of global peace and security, and the successful tackling of regional issues causing concern.

Referring to the Cyprus problem, he said the UN facilitate the ongoing negotiations between the leaders of the two communities to reach a settlement, noting that stable progress is being made.

He also congratulated President of the Republic of Cyprus Demetris Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat for the political leadership and determination.

Ban assured that he and his Special Adviser Alexander Downer were focused on the achievement of a solution by the Cypriots for the Cypriots, adding that, despite the many challenges, he remained reservedly optimistic regarding the prospects of a settlement.

He pointed out the role Greece could play as a close partner of Cyprus, adding that there was now a unique opportunity to solve the problem.

Furthermore, he called for support to the people of Cyprus in their quest for a mutually acceptable and beneficial settlement, for a united Cyprus.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third.

President Christofias and Talat have been engaged in UN-led direct negotiations since September 2008, with an aim to reunite the island.

[02] SPOKESMAN - NEGOTIATIONS

He pointed out that some convergence had been recorded and there was relative progress but noted that there were still serious differences. Stephanou said the progress did not satisfy the Greek Cypriot side and that ``we continue to work based on principles in order to reach a solution the soonest possible.`` ``We speak with the voice of truth and we say how things really are in the process of the negotiations. There are difficulties, there are serious differences, which we are struggling to overcome,`` he said, adding that the focus should be on the agreed basis, which is a bizonal bicommunal federation.

Replying to questions, Stephanou said Turkish moves and visits could possibly be communication tactics, adding that Turkey should meet its obligations towards the EU and work towards a solution of the Cyprus problem. Regarding a letter by Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan to Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou, Stephanou said the Government and President of the Republic of Cyprus Demetris Christofias have been informed about the letter by Papandreou himself. Stephanou did not reveal the content of the letter.

Cyprus, which joined the EU in 2004, has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. The leaders of the two communities in Cyprus have been engaged in UN-led direct negotiations since September 2008, with an aim to reunite the island.

[03] CYPRUS - SERBIA - MOU

Ioannides expressed certainty that the Memorandum of Understanding would produce excellent results, and noted that it would be to the benefit of sports in both countries. Divac noted that the Memorandum of Understanding would promote progress in sports in both countries on all levels.

The Memorandum of Understanding provides for the exchange of visits of sports missions, trainers and experts, the exchange of invitations to athletes to participate in various events, the exchange of information and views, cooperation in research and the development of sports and all related aspects, such as the maintenance of establishments and anti-doping control. A joint committee will be set up to implement the provisions of the Memorandum of Understanding, which will be in force for four years.

[04] CYPRUS - INFLATION

The increase is mainly attributed to increases in the prices of certain clothing and footwear items, potatoes and electricity. Decreases have been recorded in the prices of petroleum products.

On a yearly basis, the rate of inflation for October 2009 was -0.8% compared to -1.2% in September 2009 and 5.2% in October 2008. For the period January-October 2009, the CPI rose by 0.1% compared to the corresponding period of 2008.

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