Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 09-12-05

Cyprus News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

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

CONTENTS

[01] PRESIDENT CHRISTOFIAS CYPRUS

[02] NATIONAL COUNCIL MEETING

[03] INTERNATIONAL VOLUNTEER DAY EVENT

[04] QUEEN`S BATON FOR THE 2010 COMMONWEALTH GAMES - CYPRUS

[01] PRESIDENT CHRISTOFIAS CYPRUS

We are victims of international maneuvers and expansionist aspirations. It is not only Turkey, which is responsible for the division of Cyprus, said President Christofias, adding that it is also those who support Turkey over the years.

He said these circles are leading humanity deep into a financial crisis, trade weapons of mass destruction and send children and young people to become victims of unjust wars under various pretences.

Speaking during a reception hosted by the President and First Lady Elsi Christofia on the occasion of the International Volunteer Day, at the Presidential Palace, President Christofias said that our society is in need of other societies, to nurture principles and values because it is in pain for 35 years now, since the country was divided as a result of the 1974 Turkish invasion.

The President welcomed three Turkish Cypriots who were present at the event as members of KENTHEA (Center For Education About Drugs and Treatment of Drug Addicted Persons) and expressed hope that more Turkish Cypriots will follow suit.

Through a united country, we will unite our forces, for the reunification of our country and as volunteers, for the good of our society and our fellow human beings, he said.

Addressing the Turkish Cypriots, he said that the President of this Republic of Cyprus and his government consider themselves servants of our Turkish Cypriot compatriots too, because our homeland is one, our people, out two communities - Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot are one, he said.

He also wished that the New Year will bring the best news which Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots are anticipating, the news of the reunification of our homeland, without foreign troops, foreign occupation and foreigners who dominate and determining the fate of our country, our common homeland.

I consider myself, my whole life, a volunteer. I believe the volunteer work I do with Mr. Talat (the Turkish Cypriot leader) is very, very significant, we work to serve our people and our homeland, the President said, adding that this homeland could be a paradise for all Cypriots, Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots alike.

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

[02] NATIONAL COUNCIL MEETING

In statements after the meeting, Government Spokesman Stephanos Stephanou described the discussion as constructive, saying that the Minister of Foreign Affairs was authorised by the National Council to make the necessary moves at the EU General Affairs and External Relations Council, on Monday.

The main issue of discussion was Turkeys assessment. There was also discussion on other issues concerning the Cyprus negotiations, he said.

Asked about statements by Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat that the leaders of the two communities in Cyprus have decided to intensify talks and hold two three-day long meetings at their residences, the Spokesman said that there was no such decision yet.

[03] INTERNATIONAL VOLUNTEER DAY EVENT

The President was speaking during a reception he hosted together with First Lady Elsi Christofia on the occasion of the International Volunteer Day, at the Presidential Palace. At the event, President Christofias presented awards to three tertiary education institutions and one elementary school for voluntary work in 2008.

President of the Pancyprian Volunteer Council, Stavros Olympiou said the event at the Presidential Palace is a sincere sign of support for the work which volunteers carry out. We need this kind of support from the state and you personally, Olympiou told the President.

In his remarks, President Christofias said the return to principles and values, sincerity, and solidarity are a great necessity in todays society..

[04] QUEEN`S BATON FOR THE 2010 COMMONWEALTH GAMES - CYPRUS

The Queens Baton 2010 Delhi, which combines rich Indian heritage with modern technology, spent much time on Friday in the ancient towns of Paphos, Limassol and Kourion, spreading goodwill and creating awareness about the XIX Commonwealth Games to be staged in Delhi 10 months from now, a press release issued here by the organizers said.

In the south western coastal town of Paphos, four Baton bearers and five other runners relayed the baton from the Castle Square near the harbour to the Town Hall where the Mayor Savvas Vergas celebrated the arrival of the baton for the first time in his town and wished Delhi every success in organising the Commonwealth Games.

Before it visited the medieval Paphos Castle, which is one of the four castles in the Republic of Cyprus and has been a witness to some amazing history, Cypriot Olympic swimmer Stavros Michaelides thanked the Mayor for hosting the event and hoped that Cyprus will be successfully represented at the Commonwealth Games in New Delhi

Cyprus News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article