Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 10-06-23

Cyprus News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

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

CONTENTS

[01] GOVERNMENT ECONOMY MEASURES

[02] G/C T/C PARTIES CYPRUS ISSUE

[01] GOVERNMENT ECONOMY MEASURES

He added that those who react to the social solidarity measures of the government must answer if the workers alone will have to pay the consequences. Stephanou said that ``the position and policy of the government is that, in order to overcome the repercussions of the crisis, everyone must contribute, according to their capacity.``

``The aim of the government`s policy is to reduce expenditure, increase revenue, support growth and the welfare state. We have already taken decisions and measures in these four directions, and promoted policies that have borne fruit,`` he pointed out.

Stephanou said that entrepreneurship, growth and the banks have been supported in this context, adding that the European Commission has noted in its recent report that Cyprus` excessive deficit was due primarily to the global financial crisis and also to the measures taken to boost the economy, which had been adopted in the context of the European policy for the recovery of the economy.

``Now businessmen and the wealthy are called upon to contribute to an increase in the state revenue and to promoting social solidarity,`` he pointed out.

He added that reaction to a proposed temporary increase in tax on company profits was excessive and unfounded, noting that the increase is a mere 1% and would be abolished on 31 December 2011.

Stephanou noted that the government was not only trying to increase its revenue but also to cut costs, adding that it was reducing the number of civil servants and cutting operational costs in the civil service.

He also said that the government has supported the welfare state with a series of decisions, and that the increase in taxation on large properties worth millions of euros would be almost indiscernible.

Those who react to government measures should explain who they think should help tackle the fallout from the global financial crisis, Stephanou said.

``If the wealthy people do not contribute to tackling the consequences of the financial crisis, to the extent of their capacity, then who will? The workers? The employees? Those who object should give an answer to these questions,`` he concluded.

[02] G/C T/C PARTIES CYPRUS ISSUE

Reading the joint communique issued after the meeting, Turenikova said that the parties discussed the topic Are guarantor powers the means for ensuring state safety and unity together with community and well-being? Or are guarantor powers a sure source of state disharmony leading to dissolution and destruction?, as proposed by the Greek Cypriot host party ADIK.

They agreed that the security issue is very sensitive for both Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots and suggested that the matter be taken up by the leaders of the two communities, at their discussions so it can be solved satisfactorily. The next regular meeting of leaders and representatives of political parties from both communities will be held on 9th September at 10.30 in the morning.

Cyprus News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article