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Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 10-08-25Cyprus News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Cyprus News Agency at <http://www.cyna.org.cy>CONTENTS
[01] FOREIGN MINISTER - CYPRUS PROBLEM - OVERSEAS CYPRIOTSThe Cyprus government has never had any problem with EU involvement in efforts to find a negotiated settlement in Cyprus whereas Turkey has repeatedly rejected EU involvement, claiming that the Union cannot be objective since Cyprus and Greece are full members, Foreign Minister Markos Kyprianou has said.In statements on the sidelines of a meeting of the Central Councils of overseas Cypriot organisations POMAK and PSEKA, Kyprianou said that Turkey accepts technical support but not political involvement of the European Union in the Cyprus issue. On the contrary, he pointed out, the government has never had any problem with a more active involvement of the EU, something which he conveyed to the European Commission. Replying to a question, he explained that by saying that the negotiating process is a Cypriot owned process we mean that arbitration and strict timeframes will not be imposed on the process, which must lead to an agreed solution. Asked if the Foreign Ministry has attempted to promote the countrys interests, taking advantage of the tarnished Israel-Turkey relatiaons, Kyprianou stressed that Cyprus has proved to be a reliable partner of every country in the region. As regards the Middle East issue, Kyprianou said that Cyprus supports the establishment of a state of Palestine, and this we have repeatedly communicated to Israel. This does not mean that we could not and we have not significantly improved our relations with Israel, in the economic sector and in many other sectors as well, he said. At the same time, Kyprianou pointed out that Cyprus has intensify its activities with the Arab world and the Middle East, noting that during the current administration, the Republic has established embassies in Amman and Abu Dhabi. It is a balanced policy, which is based on principles. Developing ties with somebody cannot take place at the expense of the another, he said. Kyprianou briefed overseas Cypriots on the Cyprus issue, developments in the direct negotiations, EU-Turkey relations and the governments stance on these relations, and on the activities of the Foreign Ministry. Peace talks began in September 2008 between President Demetris Christofias and former Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat, who was succeeded by Dervis Eroglu in April this year. [02] SPOKESMAN - CYPRUS PROBLEM - UNITYGovernment Spokesman Stephanos Stephanou has said that a minimum unity must be achived within the National Council, the top advisory body to the President on the handling of the Cyprus issue, having in mind the problems and the difficulties in efforts to solve the problem.We believe that if there is a joint effort from everyone, we can achieve a minimum unity on the domestic front, on the basis of the proposals made by the President, because these proposals are balanced and realistic and are based on UN resolutions and the long-standing positions of the Greek Cypriot side, Stephanou noted and called on everyone to avoid tension. Referring to President Christofias speech at the overseas Cypriots conference held currently here, Stephanou said that the President outlined the long-standing parameters of the Greek Cypriot sides policy and the aim of a Cyprus settlement which is a bizonal, bicommunal federation, an agreement deriving from the compromise made in 1977 and reaffirmed in 1979, that was endorsed by the UN and which guides our side and the UN in efforts to reach a settlement. [03] CYPRUS GOVERNMENT - PAKISTAN - AIDThe Cyprus government has decided to grant financial aid to Pakistan following the fatal floods that have hit the country in the past month.Government Spokesman Stephanos Stephanou announced after Wednesdays Cabinet meeting that the government of Demetris Christofias has decided to donate 100,000 euros to help relief efforts in Pakistan. The worst floods in Pakistan`s history have affected 14 million people. They were triggered by unusually heavy monsoon downpours over the upper Indus river basin, over three weeks ago. [04] INTERIOR MINISTRY - POLLING STATIONS ABROADInterior Ministry Permanent Secretary Lazaros Savides has announced that polling stations will be set up in Athens, Thessaloniki and London and possibly in Patra, Volos and Crete (Greece) and other places abroad for future elections.In statements to CNA after a meeting at the Interior Ministry presided by Interior Minister Neoklis Sylikiotis, Savides said that representatives of parliamentary parties endorsed a Ministry proposal to operate polling stations abroad and the Ministry will have to set up polling stations during the next parliamentary elections and all other elections. Cyprus News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |