Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 10-02-04

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

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

CONTENTS

[01] UN CHIEF - CYPRUS - VISIT

[02] FINNISH ARCHBISHOP - CYPRUS

[03] JANUARY - UNEMPLOYMENT

[04] CYPRIOT TEAM - WSDC

[01] UN CHIEF - CYPRUS - VISIT

Ban, who briefed the UN Security Council about his recent visits to London, Ethiopia and Cyprus told journalists that ``Leaders made good progress, but talks need to go farther, faster. My Special Advisor Alexander Downer will work to keep up the momentum of this Cypriot-led process.I do believe a solution is within reach but it will require even more courage, compromise and commitment,`` he added.

Responding to a question, Ban said he was very much encouraged by such a strong commitment by both leaders to continue their negotiations. ``And I was again, very much encouraged and touched by the strong support of the people from both sides who were chanting, in unison, shouting `resolution now`,`` he added.

As he noted, ``these were all the loud and clear voices from the general population, regardless of where they were from, both Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot. That was quite moving for me. I felt a strong sense of responsibility (about) what the United Nations can do more to facilitate this Cypriot-led and Cypriot-owned negotiation.``

He said that his observation was that a solution was possible and a solution was within reach, and, in fact, they made significant progress in power-sharing and governance. ``I was quite encouraged by this. Of course, there are many more important issues: property; border and security issues. I hope they will continue,`` UN Secretary General said.

He added that Cyprus President Demetris Christofias told him that he would issue some sort of plan for further negotiations, despite the so called elections in Cyprus occupied areas to be held in April, adding that this ``is quite encouraging.``

``And I am going to have my special adviser, Alexander Downer, continuously engaged, so that this negotiation will be facilitated,`` Ban concluded.

[02] FINNISH ARCHBISHOP - CYPRUS

According to the programme of the visit, Archbishop Leon will be meeting with President of the Republic of Cyprus Demetris Christofias, among other contacts.

Archbishop Leo and his entourage will be departing from Cyprus in the afternoon of February 12.

The visiting Archbishop will be accompanied by Archimandrite Antti Mikael Larikka, Deacon Osmo Kurola, and Secretary Kaj Appelberg.

[03] JANUARY - UNEMPLOYMENT

Based on the seasonally adjusted data, the number of registered unemployed reached 19.897 persons in January recording an increase of 1,3% compared to the previous month.

The trend of the registered unemployed that showed an upward movement in the last months shows signs of stabilisation.

In comparison with January 2009, an increase of 7.859 persons or 49,8% was recorded, which was mainly observed in the sectors of construction (an increase of 1.757 unemployed persons), public administration (an increase of 1.387), trade (an increase of 1.193), hotels and restaurants (an increase of 1.010), real estate and business activities (an increase of 675), manufacturing (an increase of 611), as well as to newcomers in the labour market where an increase of 382 unemployed persons was recorded.

[04] CYPRIOT TEAM - WSDC

According to an announcement of ESU Cyprus five high-school students were selected in December 2009 as the top five debaters during a local debating competition hosted by ESU Cyprus at the University of Cyprus, this guaranteeing them a position in the Doha Competition.

The Cypriot team, which consists of Avgi Loizidou, Marilia Paraschou, Mimi Kyprianou, George Varnavides, and Zoe Orphanides, will be accompanied by the Coach and Team Manager Michael Persianis and the Chairman of ESU Cyprus, Garo Keheyan.

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