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Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 09-12-07Cyprus News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Cyprus News Agency at <http://www.cyna.org.cy>CONTENTS
[01] FOREIGN MINISTER - EU COUNCILMinister of Foreign Affairs Markos Kyprianou is in Brussels to participate in the EU General Affairs Council, which will focus mainly on preparations for the upcoming European Council and the issue of enlargement. EU Foreign Ministers will also discuss the situation in the Western Balkans and Iran, the Middle East peace process, and the role of the EU.Kyprianou went to Brussels, following consultations in Nicosia with the members of the National Council - the top advisory body to the President on the handling of the Cyprus problem - on Turkeys assessment of its accession course by the EU, ahead of the European Council, on December 10 and 11. Government Spokesman Stephanos Stephanou said, after the consultations, 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. [02] ARCHBISHOP - MANDELA - CYPRUS ISSUEThe head of the Greek Orthodox Church, Archbishop Chrysostomos II has briefed Nelson Mandela, the historical leader of South Africa, on the latest developments in Cyprus problem. Cyprus Archbishop concluded on December 2, 2009, his visit to North Africa at the invitation of the Greek Cypriot Brotherhood of South Africa, which was celebrating its 75th anniversary.According to an announcement, issued by the Holy Archbishopric, the Primate of the Greek Orthodox Church, during his meeting with Mandela in South Africa, thanked him for his efforts to arrange the visit of Archbishop of South Africa Desmond Tutu, and former United States President Jimmy Carter, to Cyprus, as representatives of the International Organisation The Elders, in order to contribute to a just solution to the Cyprus problem based on the UN principles. [03] US SENATORS - CYPRUS PROBLEMSeven US Senators have expressed concern that American and international pressure for a solution of the Cyprus problem is once again being targeted predominantly at Greek Cypriots, and note that officials appointed by the US should apply pressure on those parties who are promoting policies that are contradictory to a fair and lasting solution.In a letter to US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, signed by Senators Robert Menendez, Barbara Boxer, Benjamin Cardin, Robert Casey, Christopher Dodd, Russell Feingold, Kirsten Gillibrand, Edward Kaufman and Jeanne Shaheen, the Senators say they are encouraged by talks to reach a settlement, and point out that the settlement must be of the people, by the people and for the people of Cyprus. ``We strongly support your engagement on the reunification of Cyprus. We support your resolve to assure that US meetings with Cypriots fully respect the legitimate government of the Republic of Cyprus and support the efforts of all Cypriots to come to a long-term peaceful settlement,`` they say. The Senators say that they have been ``encouraged by the current Cyprus settlement talks and strongly support their continuation.`` [04] MEPs - FAMAGUSTAFour MEPs, members of the European Parliament`s Committee on Petitions, have requested a briefing by the European Commission and the EU Council on measures taken regarding the problem of Famagusta, the ``ghost town`` which is within the areas under Turkish occupation in Cyprus for the past 35 years.The MEPs Lidia Joanna Geringer de Oedenberg of the Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats, Carlos Iturgaiz of the Group of the European People`s Party (Christian Democrats), Willy Meyer of the Confederal Group of the European United Left - Nordic Green Left, and Pascale Gruny of the Group of the European People`s Party (Christian Democrats), note that the Turkish army has been restricting the operation of the UN post in Varosha, while visitors can only enter with the permission of the Turkish occupation authorities. In their press release, the MEPs point out the presence of the Turkish army and the fact that the area has been totally abandoned. The MEPs say that the military occupation is unacceptable and that this has also been pointed out by UN Security Council resolutions. The members of the Committee request a reassessment of the situation and also call on the European Committee and the upcoming Spanish EU presidency to take the necessary measures to solve the humanitarian issue existing within the EU. In conclusion, they point out that it is not possible to tolerate a ghost town, under occupation, within the EU. Cyprus News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |
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