Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 09-12-11

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

CONTENTS

[01] CHRISTOFIAS PAPADOPOULOS GRAVE - DESECRATION

[02] PRESIDENT EU COUNCIL CONCLUSIONS

[03] EU COUNCIL FUND - CLIMATE CHANGE

[01] CHRISTOFIAS PAPADOPOULOS GRAVE - DESECRATION

It is an unacceptable, sacrilegious, immoral and condemnable act that is an affront to our morals, our traditions, our civilization and respect towards the dead, he stressed.

Speaking on Friday in Brussels, after the end of the EU Summit, President Christofias said that this action causes repulsion and it is very upsetting, it disrupts the unity of our people, which is so necessary on the home front.

President Christofias called on the people of Cyprus to remain calm, saying this act was a provocation. I cannot describe it any other way, he added.

Papadopoulos body was removed from the grave overnight, by unknown persons, from the cemetery in Deftera village, near Nicosia, according to police.

President Christofias said that he had communicated with the Chief of Police and urged him to investigate the theft as fast as he can.

I would like to express my sympathy and my support to Tassos Papadopoulos wife and his family, he added, noting that this was a heinous act and shocking which causes aversion.

The head of the Greek Orthodox Church, Archbishop Chrysostomos II has expressed his strong repulsion at the violation of the grave and the theft of Tassos Papadopoulos remains. This vandalism on the great leader of our country will not daunt our people, nor will it diminish our love, appreciation and gratitude towards Tassos Papadopoulos, he stressed.

All the political parties of Cyprus have expressed their deep sorrow and strong repulsion at what has happened and called on the Police to intensify their investigation into the matter, in order to find the remains and the perpetrators.

According to available information, unknown persons removed the body from the coffin and disappeared, under the cover of darkness, on the eve of the first anniversary since his death. The former President of the Republic of Cyprus passed away on December 12. Tomorrow a memorial service will take place to commemorate his death.

[02] PRESIDENT EU COUNCIL CONCLUSIONS

Stressing that Cyprus is among the countries affected by climate change, President Christofias noted that Cyprus has contributed a symbolic amount to this fund. He added that European leaders will meet again in Copenhagen to review the situation a day before the conclusion of the UN Climate Conference in Copenhagen and take any necessary decisions.

President Christofias stressed that the European Council adopted the conclusions of the General Affairs and External Relations Council on EU enlargement, which includes references to Turkey as well.

[03] EU COUNCIL FUND - CLIMATE CHANGE

In its conclusions, adopted Friday by the heads of state and government, the European Council refers to the UN Conference on Climate Change, which continues its deliberations in Copenhagen, noting that it constitutes an historic opportunity for the international community to act together to respond to the challenge of climate change.

Meanwhile, in statements to the press, Swedish Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt, whose country holds the EU Presidency, expressed satisfaction with the agreement, saying that all EU member states as well as the Commission will contribute to it. In statements at the press conference, European Commission President Manuel Barrosso described the Swedish Presidency as a successful one, saying that it has done a superb job.

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