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Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 09-12-01Cyprus News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Cyprus News Agency at <http://www.cyna.org.cy>CONTENTS
[01] DOWNER CYPRUS TALKSPresident of the Republic of Cyprus Demetris Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat have continued discussion on the issue of settlers during their meeting held on Tuesday, in the framework of the direct negotiations, aimed to find a solution to the Cyprus problem.Speaking after the meeting, UN Secretary General`s Special Advisor for Cyprus Alexander Downer, said that the leaders discussed at some length today the question of citizenship, aliens, immigration and asylum. In addition, Downer said that the leaders discussed and decided the dates for their next meetings. The next meeting of the leaders will, of course, be this Thursday, but beyond that, the leaders will meet again on Wednesday, the 9th, thats next week. They will then meet on Monday, the 14th of December and they will meet again on the 21st of December. And then, of course, we will be into the break at the end of the year, he said. Downer also said that Christofias and Talat during their next meeting on Tuesday, will continue their discussion on citizenship issues. Tomorrow, their representatives, George Iacovou and Ozdil Nami, will be discussing the property question, Downer concluded. President Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader Talat began peace talks in September 2008, under UN auspices to find a mutually acceptable solution on Cyprus problem. Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. [02] SPOKESMAN TURKISH REGIMEThe action of the Turkish occupation regime not to allow Bishop of Karpasia, Christoforos, to hold a church service at the Turkish occupied monastery of Apostolos Andreas, must make us enhance efforts for a Cyprus settlement, said Tuesday Government Spokesman, Stefanos Stefanou.We are under occupation and freedom does not exist here, Stephanou told the reporters, invited to comment on the action of the Turkish Cypriot regime Monday, to prevent Bishop of Karpasia Christoforos from holding the annual church service to mark Saint Andrewss day. Stephanou added that it was not the first time the occupation regime behaved that way. He also said that every time actions like this happen, the occupation regime shows its real face. These actions of the occupation regime should strengthen our belief that we should continue trying to solve the Cyprus problem, because as long as there is occupation, occupying forces and as long as the occupation does not allow the Republic of Cyprus to effectively exercise its sovereignty throughout the whole country, we will have actions like this as well as many other negative and unacceptable actions, said Stephanou. [03] FM OSCE MEETINGMinister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus Markos Kyprianou has expressed regret over the fact that Cyprus` application for accession to the Treaty of Open Skies is still being blocked. The Minister was referring to Turkey, which prevents the accession of the Republic of Cyprus to the Treaty.Speaking at the 17th Meeting of the Ministerial Council of the Organisation of Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), which takes place in Athens, Kyprianou recalled that during the last year the members of the OSCE have witnessed an enhanced dialogue with promising prospects of setting their relations on a new basis of renewed trust and closer cooperation. We believe that we should demonstrate the political will and determination to maintain the positive momentum established last year, and set an ambitious agenda for the next year, he said. Kyprianou also stressed that the OSCE is in a perfect position to make a considerable contribution to the wider security in Europe. [04] CRIMINAL DATA STATISTICAL SERVICEData on crime, based on information provided by the Police, Courts and the Prison presents the Annual Report Criminal Statistics for the year 2007 published by the Statistical Service of Cyprus. According to an official announcement, it also presents comparative data for the period 1976-2007.The number of serious offences reported to the Police (true cases) in 2007 was 7.556 compared to 7.917 in 2006. The offences against property constitute the largest group of offences, accounting for 61,4% of serious offences, followed by offences relating to forgery, coining and criminal impersonation with 12,5%. The number of cases concerning drug offences increased by 34,2% compared to the previous year. The number of cases recorded in 2007 was 876 compared to 653 in 2006. The number of adult offenders convicted of serious offences was 1.903, compared to 1.441 the year before. Their median age was 28 years for males and 30 for females. Women represented only 9,4% of adult convicted offenders, while the convictions of foreigners constituted 41,3% of the total convictions for serious offences (40,3% of males and 51,1% of females). Cyprus News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |