Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 10-06-09

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

CONTENTS

[01] SPOKESMAN - CYPRUS ISSUE

[02] CHINESE OFFICIAL - CYPRUS

[03] GAROYIAN - SPEAKERS` MEETING

[04] FINANCE MINISTER - ECONOMY

[01] SPOKESMAN - CYPRUS ISSUE

In statements on Wednesday, Stephanou noted that, if Eroglu did not question the agreed negotiating basis, talks for a Cyprus settlement could proceed; adding that the solution also depends on the quality of positions submitted at the negotiating table and the Turkish Cypriot side should remain consistent with the framework of the agreed basis.

``Of course, whether we reach a solution or not depends on the quality of positions submitted at the negotiating table and we call on the Turkish Cypriot community and the leader of the Turkish Cypriot community to remain consistent with the framework of the agreed negotiating basis, which is the bizonal bicommunal federation with political equality, as described in relevant UN resolutions, for a single state with a single sovereignty, a single citizenship and a single international identity,`` he said.

Asked about the resolution on the report for the UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP), Stephanou said the government had clear positions on this issue and was acting accordingly in view of the adoption of the resolution by the Security Council.

Replying to other questions, Stephanou said an international conference on the Cyprus problem would serve to discuss the international aspects of the problem, adding that such a conference should be under the auspices of the UN, with the participation of the five permanent members of the Security Council, the EU, the guarantor powers and the Republic of Cyprus.``

To questions concerning deadlines for a settlement, Stephanou said ``we have a clear position on this, we do not accept deadlines,`` adding that those suggesting deadlines should specify ``what and who the deadline aims at.``

``If they want a solution the soonest possible, then they should turn to the factor and the country that is the source of the Cyprus problem, and that is Turkey, its invasion and occupation that created and maintains the Cyprus problem. So, the solution of the Cyprus problem the soonest possible passes through exerting pressure on Turkey to review its stance and pave the way for a solution, and not turning against the victim, which is Cyprus and its people,`` he pointed out.

Referring to the town of Famagusta, which has been fenced-off since the 1974 Turkish invasion of the island, Stephanou said the government of Demetris Christofias has done more than any other government for Famagusta, and assured that efforts would continue.

He added that, after a letter sent by President Christofias to the EU member states, the EU officers and the five permanent members of the UN Security Council, there is increased interest in the issue of Famagusta.

Asked if the change in government in the United Kingdom would affect the Memorandum of Understanding between the two countries, Stephanou said it would not, noting that on the contrary it served as guidance in relations between Cyprus and the UK, and in issues concerning the Cyprus problem.

[02] CHINESE OFFICIAL - CYPRUS

Wang Gang, who is visiting Cyprus as head of a delegation of the Conference, was received on Wednesday in Nicosia by President of the House of Representatives Marios Garoyian.

During the meeting, Garoyian expressed satisfaction over the excellent relations between the two countries and their parliaments, adding that the political will existed for further strengthening those relations on all levels.

Garoyian also expressed gratitude to the Chinese government for its consistent and steadfast support to the struggle for a solution of the Cyprus problem and the reunification of the island.

[03] GAROYIAN - SPEAKERS` MEETING

Speaking during a press conference at the House of Representatives, Garoyian said that Turkey will not participate in the conference to be held in Limassol, on 11 and 12 June 2010. Turkey had raised objections two years ago over the proposal Cyprus to host the conference. However, those objections were rejected by the overwhelming majority of the PACE members.

Garoyian said that this conference is one of the greatest and most important conferences Cyprus House of Representative has ever hosted, and it is probably the most important in terms of the number of House Presidents and Vice Presidents that will participate.

Some 50 Presidents and Vice Presidents of Parliaments from PACE member states, third countries, and international parliamentary organizations will participate in the conference. In addition, 30 Members of the Parliament and Senators, 35 Director General and Secretary Generals of parliaments and international parliamentary organizations as well as 200 officials will take part.

[04] FINANCE MINISTER - ECONOMY

``Fiscal consolidation is absolutely necessary and the marginal improvement of the Cypriot economy in no way means that the importance of the fiscal consolidation package is over,`` Stavrakis said speaking to the press.

In statements on the occasion of the approval of Cyprus` Stability Programme by the European Commission, Stavrakis said that ``our programme has been fully accepted,`` adding that European Commissioner for Economic and Monetary Policy Oli Rhen`s report on Cyprus ``was one of the best reports compared with other EU member-states.``

``We have maintained Cyprus` credibility in an extremely difficult environment,`` he added, recalling that after the submission of Cyprus` stability programme the opposition made a series of pessimistic comments suggesting that the programme would be returned.

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