Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 10-09-10

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

CONTENTS

[01] LEADERS SECOND ALL-DAY MEETING

[02] FM PROPERTY ISSUE

[03] PRESIDENT GREETINGS RAMADAN BAYRAM

[04] KOSOVO CYPRUS - FM

[01] LEADERS SECOND ALL-DAY MEETING

The two leaders had their first all-day meeting on Wednesday during which they began the discussion on property issue.

In statements after the first meeting, Alexander Downer, UN SGs Special Advisor in Cyprus, said the two leaders discussed ``to some great length`` the proposals they had submitted on the chapter of property, adding that they will continue the discussion on Friday.

President Christofias, speaking after the meeting on Wednesday, said that the discussion is being held on the basis of the proposals submitted by the two sides on the property issue. It is not an easy discussion, it is a very difficult issue, a very complex issue, the President pointed out, adding that they will continue discussion during the next intensive meeting of the two leaders on Friday.

Peace talks began in September 2008 between President Christofias and former Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat. Talks continue now with Eroglu, who succeeded Talat in April this year.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkish troops invaded and occupied its northern third.

[02] FM PROPERTY ISSUE

In statements at Larnaka airport before departing to Brussels to participate in the Informal Meeting of the EU Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Kyprianou pointed out that the Cyprus problem is a very complex issue and said that there are major differences in matters of principle between the proposals submitted on the table by the two sides on the property chapter.

Asked whether he expects any move on behalf of Turkey before the end of the year, the Minister clarified that no timeframe has been set, saying that Ankaras communication strategy is to repeatedly express its willingness for a solution by the end of 2010, while at the same time it submits proposals which hinder any progress. He noted that on the other hand, Turkey submits proposals at the negotiating table which hinder any progress of the talks, and slow down the pace of the process and the possibility of a positive outcome.

We indicate exactly this contradiction in positions on behalf of Turkey and if Ankara continues this approach by the end of the year we will have no important development he pointed out. Despite all these, he went on to stress, we will continue proceeding to the talks in a constructive spirit but at the same time defending principles and the rights of the Greek Cypriot side.

[03] PRESIDENT GREETINGS RAMADAN BAYRAM

In a message, President Christofias said that on the occasion of the Eid Al-Fitr (Ramadan Bayram), the Government of the Republic of Cyprus and I personally, wish our Turkish Cypriot compatriots, Muslems residing in Cyprus as well as Muslims all over the world, peace, health, personal and family happiness.

Turkish Cypriot believers crossed to the free areas on Sunday to attend prayers at the Hala Sultan Tekke in Larnaca on the occasion of the holy night of Kadir. The Tekke is built in Islamic architecture, and is considered to be the third holiest shrine, after Mekka and Medina.

[04] KOSOVO CYPRUS - FM

In a statement to CNA, Cypriot Foreign Minister Markos Kyprianou welcomed the UN General Assembly resolution on Kosovo that was passed by acclamation by the 192-nation assembly.

The fact that Cyprus cosponsored the resolution does not mean, under any circumstances that we are altering our stance on the Kosovo issue or we accept that the final status (of Kosovo) has been settled because for us the issue remains open, the FM remarked.

Kyprianou repeated Cyprus firm position that we support the full respect of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Serbia. In any event, he added, we hope that the adoption of the resolution creates a positive climate in the direction of efforts to achieve peace, stability and security in the Western Balkans region.

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