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Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 09-11-11Cyprus News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Cyprus News Agency at <http://www.cyna.org.cy>CONTENTS
[01] CYPRIOT FM - ATHENS - VISITGreece and Cyprus said on Wednesday that the December European Union Summit should evaluate strictly, whether Turkey fulfilled its commitments as an EU candidate state. Greek Alternate Foreign Minister Dimitris Droutsas met today with Cypriot Foreign Minister Marcos Kyprianou in Athens. Speaking in a joint press conference with Kyprianou, Droutsas reiterated his country`s ``absolute backing to the efforts of President of the Republic of Cyprus Demetris Christofias for a solution to the Cyprus problem and the talks he conducts with the leader of the Turkish Cypriot community Mr. (Mehmet Ali) Talat.`` ``I reiterate our clear position that we want a solution on the basis of the UN decisions on the basis of the treaties and principles of the EU and, above all, with the full respect of the acquis communautaire.``Regarding to the December EU Summit, Droutsas said that ``Turkey will be evaluated by the EU objectively and strictly on the basis of its actions and of its response to the commitments undertook towards the EU and its member-states for the good neighbourliness and the respect of the territorial integrity of Greece, the respect of the human rights of minorities, the protection of religious rights, combating illegal immigration and of course the implementation of the Ankara protocol and the normalization of its relations with the Republic of Cyprus and the Cyprus problem.`` On his part, Kyprianou said that Greece and Cyprus share the same views on the Cyprus problem, adding that what is important is a ``viable solution with no suffocating timeframes which would not contribute, on the contrary would be counterproductive.`` ``Turkey has a very important role to play because it is not a mere spectator in this issue, is not a third country. Turkey created the Cyprus problem, it is a key player and it must have a practical positive stance``, he added. Referring to initiatives taken by Turkey, Kyprianou said that Cyprus waits ``to see Turkey proceed with practical specific gestures and not just expressions of intent.`` With regard to the December landmark, Kyprianou recalled that ``Cyprus supports the capability of Turkey to join the EU with not discounts, not a la carte, but with full compliance with its obligations.`` ``Exactly because Cyprus, and I would like to stress that, desires a European Turkey not jut Turkey in the EU; a Turkey which would act and think in a European manner and not just a guest in the EU, as, perhaps it seeks,`` he added. President of Cyprus Demetris Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat have been engaged in talks since September 2008 with a view to find a mutually acceptable solution that will reunite the country, divided since 1974 when Turkish troops invaded and occupied the islands northern third. The EU will assess Turkey`s progress at the December EU Council. [02] CYPRUS AIRWAYS - NEW AIRCRAFTSThe renewal of Cyprus Airways` fleet is continuing in an effort to increase efficiency, company`s Spokesperson Kyriacos Kyriacou said Wednesday. Speaking to CNA, Kyriacou said the company is planning to acquire four new Airbus and sell three others from its old fleet.The new airplanes, one Airbus A319 with capacity of 128 seats and three Airbus A320 with capacity of 160 seats are to be acquired with the method of long-term leasing. One Airbus 320 will be delivered in the next few days to an American company and two others in the coming January. Two new Airbus 320 to replace the old ones, will be delivered to Cyprus Airways in February and March 2010. Cyprus Airways fleet comprises today 11 aircraft, three A319s, six A320s and two A330s. Cyprus News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |
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