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

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

CONTENTS

[01] SPOKESMAN - NEGOTIATIONS - EU INVOLVEMENT

[02] HOUSE PRESIDENT MEDVEDEV VISIT - EVALUATION

[03] MARTIN SCHULZ - VISIT - CONTACTS

[01] SPOKESMAN - NEGOTIATIONS - EU INVOLVEMENT

Speaking after the session of the Ministerial Council, Stephanou said that the goals set have been fully attained and that this visit opens up new perspectives for promoting further the excellent relations between Cyprus and Russia.

He added that, as a result of the visit, the political and financial advantages for the Republic of Cyprus are great.

Concerning the Russian proposal for a New European Security Treaty and Cyprus position on it, Stephanou noted that Russia is asking for a dialogue with the EU and the Member States, in order to discuss the prospects of shaping this new security architecture, as described by the Russian President, during a press conference with President Christofias on Thursday.

The Spokesman added that the Republic of Cyprus has reconfirmed, through the President of the Republic, its positive stance vis-a-vis the proposal and underlined the common position with the Russian President for a constructive, equally-footed cooperation with other European partners, within the framework of a credible and accessible-to-all system of comprehensive security in the Euro Atlantic area.

As a result, Stephanou said that Cyprus approach is not in conflict with the EU, as some have implied. The proposal is on the table, he went on, adding that European leaders have many times described it as interesting and they said their ready to discuss it.

Concerning the Cypriot-owned process for the solution of the Cyprus problem, the Spokesman said that some people confront it in an absolute way, adding that this does not include the President of the Republic or the Government.

Explaining the meaning of this process, Stephanou said that the two communities of Cyprus are set to come to an agreement through dialogue on the domestic aspects of the Cyprus problem, in order to arrive to a mutually acceptable solution that will be put to referendum.

Moreover, he said that the Presidents policy does not exclude, but encourages the involvement of the international community in the effort to reach a solution.

We seek the EUs involvement in the effort to solve the Cyprus problem, especially vis-a-vis Turkeys accession negotiations, so that the EU approaches Turkey and persuades her to alter her stance on Cyprus, opening thus the way to a solution Stephanou mentioned.

The Presidents proposals are made in this spirit, the Government Spokesman said, so as to engage the EU further and oblige Turkey to assume its responsibilities.

It is not right to say that President Christofias is excluding all other players by adhering to the Cypriot-owned negotiation process, Stephanou concluded.

Cyprus has been divided since the 1974 Turkish invasion. Peace talks are currently underway to find a negotiated settlement that will reunite the country, under a federal roof.

[02] HOUSE PRESIDENT MEDVEDEV VISIT - EVALUATION

He noted that Medvedevs visit gave a lot of message and was a substantive one. As regards the Cyprus problem, Garoyian said, it was reiterated and reaffirmed in the most clear and formal way that Russia continues to follow and support policies based on principles, it is an ally of Cyprus at all levels and that it wants a viable and functional settlement of the Cyprus problem, on the basis of UN resolutions and the international law.

He noted that this is very important at this particularly crucial period for the Cyprus problem, adding that with the visit of the Russian President and the signing of so important agreements new prospects and horizons are opened as regards financial relations.

[03] MARTIN SCHULZ - VISIT - CONTACTS

Schulz, speaking after meeting House President Marios Garoyian, said the EU cannot intervene as far as the Cyprus issue is concerned because Cyprus is a member state of the EU and what is happening in Cyprus is happening within the EU. The goal of his presence on the island today and Saturday, he said, is to listen. To listen especially, issues concerning the direct talks in the country. I hope intensively that the direct talks are successful, Schulz said, adding that if they are successful, we are not involved. And it is the best way people from outside must not be involved in a solution in the country as possible. Therefore I hope the direct talks are successful.

After meeting General Secretary of the leftwing, ruling AKEL Andros Kyprianou, on Friday afternoon, Schulz said in relation to the issue of direct trade to and from the Turkish occupied areas in the north of Cyprus, that whether the EP will be involved in the issue of direct trade is not yet clear, the legal basis is not yet clarified, and if it is only a question for the European Council, or question between the Council and EP.

Earlier, Schulz met with President of the Social Democrats EDEK party, Yiannakis Omirou, with whom he also discussed the EU proposed direct trade regulation with the Turkish Cypriot community, in occupied Cyprus. In statements after the meeting, Schulz said that there is an unclarified legal question as regards the direct trade. He said we discussed also that first of all we must know in which legal framework it will happen and then we can discuss the content of the problem.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third.

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