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Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 10-09-09Cyprus News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Cyprus News Agency at <http://www.cyna.org.cy>CONTENTS
[01] GREEK FOREIGN MINISTER - SUPPORTGreek Minister of Foreign Affairs Demetris Droutsas reiterated on Thursday the support of Greece to the efforts made by Cypriot President Demetris Christofias for solution of the Cyprus problem, and to the package of proposals submitted by President Christofias aiming at expediting the ongoing UN-led negotiations for a settlement.President Christofias and Droutsas held a meeting at the Presidential Palace, by which Droutsas concluded his two-day official visit to Cyprus, his first as Foreign Minister of Greece. In statements after the meeting, Droutsas said President Christofias briefed him on the latest developments in the direct negotiations and the prospects for a solution. I assured President Christofias once again of the absolute support of Greece, the Greek government, to his efforts. These efforts are precious and have been acknowledged and appreciated by the international community, and by all our EU partners. The Republic of Cyprus has a voice, validity and credibility, he said. He also expressed Greece`s support to the three-point package submitted by President Christofias. These are substantive proposals, constructive ones and can contribute to finding a solution soon, a desired solution, based on UN resolutions, the EU principles and the European acquis communautaire. This is the solution, which is in the best interests of the all citizens of Cyprus, he added. Droutsas called on the Turkish Cypriot community to show a constructive spirit at the negotiations, and Turkey to take the necessary actions. I call on Turkey to withdraw its troops from Cyprus. The Cyprus issue is an issue of invasion and occupation, and this is something we do not forget and we stress in every direction. I call on Turkey to respond positively to proposals, such as the return of the Famagusta to its legitimate inhabitants, he said. He furthermore sent the message that the Cyprus issue remains a top priority for Greek foreign policy, and that Greece and Cyprus are together, united. Only if we stay united can we achieve our goals, he concluded. [02] PRESIDENT - UNITYPresident of the Republic of Cyprus Demetris Christofias pointed out on Wednesday the need for unity and common language on the home front before it is too late. He also assured he would strive to reunify the island and its people, divided since the 1974 Turkish invasion.Our aim is to reunify our homeland, reunify our people, in the context of a solution that will be just, under the circumstances,`` he stressed, adding that he will exhaust all his strength in the effort for a solution. President Christofias also referred to the Greek language and the Cypriot dialect, noting that the Turkish Cypriots also have rights, their own language and traditions, many of which are common to both communities. Referring to his meeting on Wednesday with Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu, President Christofias said he reminded Eroglu that a few decades ago Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots celebrated religious feasts together. [03] KYPRIANOU - GYMNICHMinister of Foreign Affairs Marcos Kyprianou will be participating in the Informal Meeting of the EU Ministers of Foreign Affairs (Gymnich), which will take place in Brussels on September 10 and 11.The Ministers will deal with the preparations of the European Council of September 16, and will focus on the EU role as a global actor and EU relations with strategic partners, especially China, India and Brazil. They will also discuss the general context of EU relations with Turkey. The European Ministers will also discuss the issue of Pakistan and the problems caused by the destructive floods that struck the country. [04] INFLATION - AUGUSTThe rate of inflation for August 2010 rose to 3,4% compared to 2,7% in July 2010 and -0,9% in August 2009, the Statistical Service has announced, concerning the evolution of the Harmonised Index of Consumer Prices (HICP).For the period January-August 2010, the HICP recorded an increase of 2,5% compared to the corresponding period of 2009. Cyprus News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |