Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 10-03-11

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

CONTENTS

[01] SPAIN - INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE - CYPRUS

[02] CHINA - CYPRUS PROBLEM

[03] FRENCH CARRIER - LIMASSOL

[04] EUROBAROMETER - EXERCISE

[01] SPAIN - INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE - CYPRUS

Moratinos, who held Thursday a meeting here with his Cypriot counterpart Markos Kyprianou, said that what Spain can do is to help the parties move forward.

There is not this initiative at all, he said replying to a question as to whether he conveyed to Kyprianou any idea for an international conference on the Cyprus problem.

What Spain can do in both of its capacities as Spain that has excellent relations with Turkey and as Spain having the EU rotating presidency is to help the parties to move forward, he clarified.

Moratinos added that what we are trying is to use our political and diplomatic involvement so that the parties involved find a way in order to progress in the different areas that are now under the negotiating table.

So, the initiative is active involvement diplomatic and political but there is no specific proposal and of course not an international conference, he stressed.

Commenting on the same issue, the Cypriot FM recalled that the idea of an international conference was raised by the Turkish Prime Minister who talked about a conference without the participation of the Republic of Cyprus.

Any international discussion on the Cyprus problem must include the Republic of Cyprus, he stressed, adding this does not mean that we seek this discussion.

[02] CHINA - CYPRUS PROBLEM

Speaking on the sidelines of a visit to the Cyprus News Agency, Li said that Chinas stance on the Cyprus issue is clear and consistent.

China supports the territorial integrity, the independence and the sovereignty of Cyprus. We support a lasting and viable solution to the Cyprus problem which will be based on the UN relevant resolutions, he stressed.

Li pointed out that China supports the ongoing direct negotiations and expressed hope that the two sides will reduce their differences and seek convergences to lead the negotiations to a settlement.

[03] FRENCH CARRIER - LIMASSOL

While in Cyprus, the French carrier and the National Guard will be carrying out search and rescue exercises, air transport manoeuvres and military drills in the context of a defence agreement signed in 2007 between Cyprus and France.

Cypriot Minister of Defence Costas Papacostas, accompanied by National Guard Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Petros Tsalikides and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence Petros Kareklas, was expected to board the ship on Thursday to watch an aircraft landing and take off demonstration, at the invitation of French Admiral Philippe Coindreau, who is on board the carrier.

They were to be briefed on the mission of the French carrier, which was sailing west of Paphos during the aeronautical manoeuvers.

[04] EUROBAROMETER - EXERCISE

A press release issued by Cyprus Sport Organization said that according to the survey there must be also an upgraded awareness, regarding strategy and guidance on sports issues and more sports areas must be developed in Cyprus, while more institutions as ministries, trade unions and local authorities must be engaged in efforts to promote physical exercise.

The Organization noted that unfortunately Cyprus ranks in the last positions in Europe as regards the response of local authorities to the citizens needs for physical exercise as well as regards voluntary work on athletics and stressed that every Cypriot citizen must contribute to voluntary work in sports.

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