Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 10-10-04

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

CONTENTS

[01] CHRISTOFIAS - MEETING FOR PEACE - CYPRUS PROBLEM

[01] CHRISTOFIAS - MEETING FOR PEACE - CYPRUS PROBLEM

Addressing Sunday the International Meeting for Peace in Barcelona, organised by the Sant Egidio Community and the Archdiocese of Barcelona, President Christofias said that his ultimate goal is to give the next generations a reunified country for all its citizens, Greek Cypriots, Turkish Cypriots, Maronites, Armenians and Latins.

We are well aware that this is a difficult task but we have to build a peaceful future and give the next generations a reunified country for all its children, Greek Cypriots, Turkish Cypriots, Maronites, Armenians and Latins, he said.

President Christofias stressed that in a Europe which unites, it is unacceptable that Cyprus and its people remain divided.

He also referred to the International Meeting for Peace which took place two years ago in Cyprus, a country which still remains divided after the Turkish invasion and the occupation of its northern part by Turkish troops.

The Cypriot President emphasized on problems faced by the modern civilization, such as wars, the financial crisis, as well as racism and non tolerance.

Addressing the participants at the International Conference for Peace, he said that politics alone can not handle each and every problem, adding that part of the responsibility lies with you, the distinguished representatives of great world religions.

He said that the Cypriot Embassy at the Holy See monitors with great interest the inter-religious dialogue and cooperation for a more just world.

The Cypriot President referred to the Cypriot governments cooperation with the Sant Egidio Community in Africa which includes medical treatment for AIDS patients, saying that this is a token of solidarity which reminds us that we must not turn a blind eye to the painful consequences of this serious pandemic in the African continent.

Present at the International Meeting, which will last until Tuesday, are 300 religious representatives of the world`s great spiritual traditions, including delegations from eleven different Orthodox Churches, while great representation also comes from the Anglican world and from Protestant Churches and the various Christian communions.

Judaism is represented by more than 20 personalities while Islam is represented in Barcelona by more than 30 high-level personalities.

The Asian religions (Buddhism, Tenrikyo, Rissho Kosei Kai, Jainism, Hinduism) are present with many high level delegations.

There are also political representatives from around the world, Presidents, Ministers and diplomats from many countries in Europe and outside Europe.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkish troops invaded and occupied its northern third. UN - led peace talks are underway aiming at reaching a political solution to the problem and reunifying the country under one federal roof.

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