Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 10-02-22

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

CONTENTS

[01] GREEK OPPOSITION LEADER PRESIDENT CHRISTOFIAS

[02] US CYPRUS SETTLEMENT

[03] CYPRUS ISRAEL JOINT DECLARATION

[01] GREEK OPPOSITION LEADER PRESIDENT CHRISTOFIAS

Samaras is on a two-day official visit to the island, at the invitation of the President of the Democratic Rally party (DISI), Nicos Anastasiades.

According to the New Democracy leader, President Christofias briefed him and his entourage in detail on developments in the Cyprus problem.

At this stage, the negotiations are going through a critical stage. In our opinion, mobilization and unity is required to be able to achieve what we all want, a fair and viable solution to the Cyprus problem, with respect to the acquis communautaire, said Samaras.

The New Democracy leader said that he and his associates have outlined their views, positions and remarks, noting that it is useful to come in contact with the Cypriot government leadership and give opinions on issues that touch on problems of Hellenism.

Samaras will have separate meetings with leaders of parliamentary parties and has already met Archbishop Chrysostomos II.

He will conclude his visit later today.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third.

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

[02] US CYPRUS SETTLEMENT

Cyprus is another example of an issue where regional leadership is necessary for progress. Though not strictly a matter of Greek-Turkish bilateral relations, both Greece and Turkey can play important and constructive roles in urging the Cypriot parties toward a lasting solution to their differences, Philip Gordon, Assistant Secretary, Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs, has said in a speech on The Obama Administration`s Vision for Southeastern Europe, at the John F. Kennedy, School of Government, at Harvard University.

The United States, he added, continues to support the Cypriot-led negotiations under the auspices of the UN Secretary-General. Both sides have put considerable effort into these negotiations and Cypriot leaders should seize the opportunity these talks offer for a just and lasting settlement that reunifies Cyprus into a bi-zonal and bi-communal federation.

The notable progress that Greece and Turkey have made in their own bilateral relations in the last decade, and especially the reinvigorated dialogue in recent months between Prime Ministers Papandreou and Erdogan, provides a hopeful and instructive example of the power of personal diplomacy and we look forward to supporting both countries as they continue to strengthen their relationship, he pointed out.

Gordon described the Cyprus problem as one of the remaining challenges in the Balkans, adding that Greece and Turkey can contribute to the full integration of all of Southeastern Europe into the institutions of Euro-Atlantic unity.

There is a role for regional powers, in particular Greece and Turkey, to play as well in the development and political integration of Southeastern Europe. The Balkans are Greeces immediate neighborhood and Athens has played an important leadership role in the region commensurate with its influence as one of the regions largest investors, he said.

[03] CYPRUS ISRAEL JOINT DECLARATION

The Joint Declaration was signed by the Cypriot Minister of Labour and Social Insurance Sotiroula Charalambous, on behalf of Cyprus, and the Israeli Minister of Welfare and Social Services Isaac Herzog, who is on an official visit to Cyprus.

According to an official announcement issued here today, the declaration provides for cooperation on social protection and integration issues, focusing on vulnerable population groups of the two countries and especially people with disabilities.

The cooperation, inter alia, includes the establishment of formal channels of communication between the two ministries, the exchange of information and good practices through visits, seminars and other events, the exchange of experts, personnel training and implementation of specific programmes, cooperation and exchange of information on social security issues.

In statements after the signing ceremony, Charalambous welcomed the Isreali Minister in Cyprus and noted that this is the first time an Israeli Minister visits the Ministry of Labour, which is something that suggests and confirms the willingness of the two countries to work towards upgrading of bilateral relations.

She also said that they have discussed specific areas of common interests, such as the area of social security, people with disabilities and social welfare.

On his part, Isreali Minister thanked Charalambous for the warm reception given to him and the delegation which accompanies him on the visit, adding that there are many areas in which joint cooperation can be established between the two countries.

He also referred to his family and his country ties with Cyprus. As he explained, his grandfather was one of the first investors in Cyprus in the 1930s, adding that many Jews found shelter in Cyprus during the Second World War.

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