Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 10-08-05

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

CONTENTS

[01] CYPRUS - IRELAND

[02] CYPRUS ALBANIA AGREEMENT

[01] CYPRUS - IRELAND

Ambassador Scullion, presenting his credentials, at a formal ceremony at the Presidential Palace, said that his country will continue to support the current process of negotiations and encourages progress towards the achievement of a bi-zonal bi-communal federal state, according to the relevant UN Security Council resolutions, and an honorable, balanced and durable settlement protecting and safeguarding the basic rights of all Cypriots.

Ambassador Scullion referred to the long tradition of close and friendly relations the two countries share, adding that Cyprus` EU membership has provided greater opportunities for closer co-operation on a wide range of issues of mutual concern.

He also said that the government of Ireland very much appreciates Cyprus` support for the efforts to find a lasting and peaceful solution to the problems in Northern Ireland.

Ambassador Scullion remarked on the economic crisis that has affected Ireland, saying that the successful stabilization of the economy was a clear government priority and it was faced with realism and determination.

He reported that the latest GDP data for Ireland shows an increase in economic activity during the first quarter of this year.

In his reply President Christofias referred to the excellent bilateral relations and the cooperation of the two countries at European and international levels.

He also expressed Cyprus willingness for further development of the relations between Cyprus and Ireland.

President Christofias briefed Scullion extensively on developments concerning the Cyprus problem and the ongoing direct talks with particular reference to a three-tier proposal he has recently put forward at the negotiating table.

The first part of his proposals suggests linking discussions on property to territory and immigration, citizenship, aliens and asylum. Property and territory are considered to be two of the most hotly contested issues at the talks President Christofias and the Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu are engaged in.

The second proposal calls for the implementation of Security Council resolution 550 which provides for the return of the fenced off area of Varosha, now under Turkish occupation, to the UN. The objective of the proposal is to restore the town and return it to its legitimate inhabitants. The proposal envisages also the opening of the citys port for trade for Turkish Cypriots, under EU supervision, as well as the restoration of the walled city of Famagusta (old part of the city).

The third proposal relates to convening an international conference on Cyprus, once the Greek Cypriot and the Turkish Cypriot side are within reach of an agreement on the internal aspects of the Cyprus problem. This conference must be called by the UN, and apart from the Republic of Cyprus and the islands two communities, the EU, the five permanent members of the Security Council and Cyprus three guarantor powers will attend (Greece, Turkey and Britain are the guarantor powers according to the 1960 Constitution).

President Christofias is engaged in direct talks with Eroglu, under UN auspices, with a view to finding a negotiated settlement that will reunite the country under a federal roof. Cyprus has been divided since the 1974 Turkish invasion.

[02] CYPRUS ALBANIA AGREEMENT

The agreement was signed by Cypriot Foreign Minister Marcos Kyprianou and Albanian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ilir Meta, who had talks here.

In statements to the press, referring to the signing of the agreement, Meta expressed hope that soon some Cypriot investors will invest in Albania. He said he was very optimistic because Albania is representing now a very good country for foreign investors, as it has been experiencing a considerable positive economic growth.

On his part, referring to the agreement on investments, Kyprianou said this is one area with great prospects especially for investments by Cypriot business people and enterprises in Albania, a developing economy, which offers new and good opportunities for Cypriot business people.

During the talks the held, Kyprianou and Meta discussed about the Cyprus problem, the issue of Kosovo, Albanias EU prospects and process as well as the enhancement of the two countries relations in various fields. As it was noted, Cyprus has offered a number of scholarships to Albanian citizens to study in Cyprus.

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