Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 10-08-29

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

CONTENTS

[01] PRESIDENT CHRISTOFIAS - PEACE TALKS - PROPOSALS

[02] CYPRUS - CHINA - TRADE LINKS

[01] PRESIDENT CHRISTOFIAS - PEACE TALKS - PROPOSALS

In his speech at a memorial service, President Christofias noted that a lot has been said and written lately about scenarios and dangers that may arise in the near future, regarding the Cyprus question. The best answer to these scenarios and rumors is to insist on the process of a bi-communal dialogue on the agreed basis, he stressed.

He also pointed out that the continuous initiatives the Greek Cypriot side assumes and the tabling of proposals, which prove genuine intentions and good will and create the prospects of a just - under the current circumstances - solution also constitute a response to these scenarios.

President Christofias expressed his conviction that if the three proposals are accepted by the Turkish side, they can accelerate the talks and create a new momentum, necessary to reach a solution.

The proposals are realistic and feasible because they are based on UN resolutions. They are balanced because they provide benefits for the all the parties involved in the Cyprus issue, including Turkey. We are convinced that our proposals, which the international community sees in a positive light, can constitute the basis to achieve at least the minimum unity on the domestic front. A unity which the people demand and is a prerequisite for the successful outcome of our efforts to reunite our country, the President pointed out.

He stressed that the successful outcome of these efforts also warrants consistency with the historic compromise the Greek Cypriot side has made in 1977, to see the Republic evolve into a bi-zonal, bi-communal federal state.

This objective, he explained, has been imposed on the Greek Cypriots as a result of the 1974 Turkish invasion and continuing occupation.

Relinquishing this goal will be a disaster, since it will provide the opportunity for the Turkish side to challenge the High level Agreements for a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation and put forward its position for the division of the island. It should be understood that division means disaster and for that reason we should fight against it with our positions and policies, he stressed.

President Christofias expressed his commitment to continuing the negotiations with good will and constructive positions, despite the difficulties and the problems he faces in the talks.

The President has recently put forward a three-tier proposal in a bid to help make headway at the talks he is currently engaged with the leader of the Turkish Cypriot community, Dervis Eroglu.

The first proposal provides for 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.

The second proposal calls for the implementation of Security Council resolution 550 which provides for the return of the fenced off area of Varosha - under Turkish occupation since 1974 - 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 the Turkish Cypriots, under EU supervision, as well as the restoration of the walled city of Famagusta (old part of the city).

The third proposes the convening of 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. The conference is to 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).

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. Peace talks are currently underway between President Christofias and the leader of the Turkish Cypriot community to find a negotiated settlement that will reunite the country under a federal roof. Talks will resume on Tuesday after a short break for the summer.

[02] CYPRUS - CHINA - TRADE LINKS

The Minister, at the head of a delegation, is in China to participate in various events at the Shanghai EXPO 2010 International Fair to mark Cyprus National Day celebrated on October 1 - which are dedicated to the 50th anniversary of Republics independence. He stressed that Cyprus aims to upgrade its trade links with China in tourism, transit trade, shipping and investment.

Sylikiotis noted that Cyprus EU membership since 2004, its geostrategic position at the crossroads of trade routes of three continents - Europe, Asia and Africa - , its excellent telecommunications, its modern banking system and the high level of services, low taxation, as well as its 42 agreements to avoid double taxation with third countries, including China, offer Chinese traders and companies important incentives to invest in Cyprus and also facilitate trade relations of China with Europe, the Middle East, North Africa and Asia.

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