Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 10-06-18

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

CONTENTS

[01] PRESIDENT BARROSO CYPRUS ISSUE

[02] CHRISTOFIAS - DIRECT TRADE REGULATION - DEADLINES

[03] PARLIAMENT FUEL TAX

[01] PRESIDENT BARROSO CYPRUS ISSUE

Christofias and Barroso had an hour-long meeting on Thursday evening in Brussels, on the sidelines of the European Council. They discussed recent developments in Cyprus as well as the issue of direct trade regulation.

In statements afterwards President Christofias said he had the opportunity to analyze developments concerning the so-called elections in the occupied areas, the defeat of Mehmet Ali Talat, former Turkish Cypriot leader, and the victory of Dervis Eroglu ``and what is the difference``.

They also discussed developments regarding the resumption of direct talks between Christofias and Eroglou for a solution to the longstanding Cyprus problem.

The Cypriot leader also referred to efforts being made by Turkey, which occupies 37 per cent of Cyprus territory with the use of force since 1974, from the very beginning ``to start the blame game``, which, he added, includes an attempt to impose once more tight timetables and arbitration.

Christofias said, as expected, he discussed with EC President the direct trade regulation and Nicosia`s opinion on the so-called isolation of the Turkish Cypriots and the trade that Turkish Cypriots could initiate through Famagusta port, in case of return of the occupied city to its legitimate inhabitants.

``We had a very friendly and sincere dialogue and agreed that we will continue our contacts and our meetings. I will keep Mr. Barroso fully informed``, the Cypriot President added.

President Christofias will meet tomorrow with European Council President Herman Van Rompuy followed by a lunch with Commissioner for Enlargement Stefan Fule and Cypriot EU Commissioner for Culture, Education, Multilingualism and Youth Androula Vassiliou.

[02] CHRISTOFIAS - DIRECT TRADE REGULATION - DEADLINES

President Christofias, who was speaking during a press conference on the sidelines of the European Council, was commenting on reports with regard to the possible freezing of efforts to promote an EU regulation for direct trade of the EU with the Turkish Cypriots in the occupied part of Cyprus, while negotiations aiming to solve the Cyprus problem are still going on.

He underlined that there is no possibility that we will again accept the imposition of any strict deadlines and arbitration, by whoever might try to impose something like this. This must be clear, President Christofias said.

The President noted that the Republic of Cyprus believes that the direct trade regulation must be withdrawn or at least freeze. He added that in case anyone insists on it, then the issue must be referred to a European Parliament Committee which will be competent to look into it.

[03] PARLIAMENT FUEL TAX

Twenty six MPs from the ruling party AKEL, the Democratic Party (DIKO) and the Cyprus Greens voted in favour of the bill, while 15 members of the Parliament from the right wing opposition party Democratic Rally (DISY) and European Party (EVROKO) voted against. Three EDEK deputies abstained.

The law aims to adopt the minimum rates of excise duty on diesel and unleaded petrol as required by EU law.

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