Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 10-02-12

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

CONTENTS

[01] LEBANESE PRESIDENT CYPRUS SOLUTION

[02] CYPRUS TALKS NEW MEETINGS

[03] GAROYIAN SLEIMAN MEETING

[01] LEBANESE PRESIDENT CYPRUS SOLUTION

The Lebanese President and Cyprus President Demetris Christofias had a tete-a-tete meeting, and then led their respective delegations into official talks at the Presidential Palace.

Speaking after the meeting, President Christofias said the purpose of the visit is to strengthen further our traditional bilateral relations and to identify new areas and fields of cooperation for our mutual benefit, noting that the meetings were very constructive and took place in a friendly atmosphere.

The Lebanese President and his delegation were briefed on the latest developments in the Cyprus problem, Christofias said, adding that Sleiman reaffirmed Lebanons support for a solution that will reunify Cyprus in the framework of a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation with a single sovereignty, single international personality and single citizenship in accordance with the relevant UN Security Council resolutions.

The Lebanese support has added value at this moment as the Republic of Lebanon has been elected as a Non Permanent Member of the UN Security Council for the years 2010-2011, Christofias stressed.

Christofias expressed Cyprus support to the recently- formed government of Lebanon. We are confident that this government can lead the country and the people of Lebanon to a new era of peace, stability and prosperity, he said.

In the bilateral field, President Christofias said that the Cypriot and Lebanese delegations reviewed the on-going cooperation. In recent years, the two countries have signed and put into force eight bilateral agreements. Ways to expand relations, as well as prospects to promote additional agreements in several fields were also discussed. Specifically, we examined the possibility of cooperation in the areas of renewable energy sources, Civil Defence, fire fighting, water resources and utilizing EU funds for joint projects, he added.

Cyprus President added that views were also exchanged on ways the two countries can advance their vision to serve as bridges between Europe and the Middle East. The Republic of Cyprus has always supported Lebanon, not only in words, but in deeds, he noted. Christofias referred to the assistance offered to Lebanon by the Republic of Cyprus during the tragic events in the summer of 2006.

In the framework of our friendly relations, Cyprus has recently upgraded its diplomatic presence in Lebanon, and as of 2006 it participates in reconstruction projects aimed at promoting development and creating the conditions for a better future for the Lebanese people. At the same time, Cyprus seeks to exchange expertise and to cooperate in a number of projects of mutual interest. Moreover, Cyprus maintains a symbolic presence in the UNIFIL and provides significant support to the UNIFIL naval forces, he said.

Cyprus President has accepted the invitation of the Lebanese President, to pay an official visit to Lebanon.

President Sleiman reiterated the support of his country towards the reunification of Cyprus, and towards the territorial integrity of the Republic of Cyprus. He also welcomed the ongoing direct negotiations for the solution of the Cyprus problem that President Christofias is conducting since 2008.

Sleiman thanked President Christofias for the support of Cyprus to Lebanon throughout history, and specifically during the war in 2006.

Referring to todays talks, he said that they agreed to establish ways for better communication and coordination to tackle common problems. Especially, during this time that Lebanon is a non permanent member of the UN Security Council, he said, stressing the need for a peaceful solution to the Middle East problem that will be based on the UN resolutions and the Arab initiative for peace.

Cyprus has been divided since the 1974 Turkish invasion. President Christofias is engaged in peace talks with the leader of the Turkish Cypriot community to find a solution that will reunite the country.

[02] CYPRUS TALKS NEW MEETINGS

Government Spokesman Stephanos Stephanou said in a written statement that after consultations with the UN the dates of next meetings proposed by President Christofias are February 24, March 4, March 16 and March 30.

[03] GAROYIAN SLEIMAN MEETING

He was speaking during a meeting with the President of the House of Representatives Marios Garoyian, whom he assured of Lebanons support for a political settlement from the post of the non Permanent Member of the UN Security Council, which Lebanon holds for two years.

Garoyian briefed the Lebanese President on the latest developments in the ongoing direct negotiations on the Cyprus problem, expressing his disappointment for their limited progress due to the intransigence of the Turkish side, as he pointed out.

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