Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 10-10-19

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

CONTENTS

[01] GOVERNMENT - EP - REGULATION

[02] GOVERNMENT - NEGOTIATIONS

[03] FM CYPRUS - CHNIA - MEETING

[04] PARLIAMENT - CONFERENCE - PARTICIPATION

[01] GOVERNMENT - EP - REGULATION

He noted that the issue has not yet closed completely, despite the fact that the decision places developments on the right basis.

Stephanou said the decision was ``a positive development,`` adding that ``the decision is the result of hard and coordinated efforts made by the President of the Republic, the Government and its services, the political parties and the six MEPs of the Republic of Cyprus.``

He added that ``the issue has not yet closed completely, despite the fact that the decision places developments on the right basis.``

``The Government will continue efforts`` in cooperation with the political parties and the Cypriot MEPs towards ``the desired end,`` he said.

Stephanou added that ``the Government will continue to actively promote the President`s proposal on Famagusta, which provides, inter alia, the opportunity to develop the relations of the Turkish Cypriot community with the EU, without violating the sovereignty of the Republic of Cyprus and international law.``

``The adoption of the proposal of the President of the Republic on Famagusta, and the whole package of proposals`` would serve ``the main aim of achieving a comprehensive solution of the Cyprus problem, based on UN resolutions, international and European law, and the high level agreements of 1977 and 1979,`` Stephanou pointed out.

He noted that ``only through a comprehensive solution of the Cyprus problem could the problems caused by the continuation of the occupation and the de facto division of our homeland be solved.``

Cyprus, which joined the EU in 2004, has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third.

[02] GOVERNMENT - NEGOTIATIONS

Replying to questions, Stephanou said that the next meeting between the leaders of the two communities would be held in early November, and that the rate of the negotiations and the frequency of the meetings was ``an issue that first and foremost concerns the two communities.`` Asked if the gap between meetings meant that discussions were not proceeding, Stephanou said it did not. ``No, it means nothing. We will see the result of the negotiation at the end, and if there are possibilities to reach convergence or not on the specific issue. The differences existing are well known and specific,`` he noted.

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

[03] FM CYPRUS - CHNIA - MEETING

The Cypriot Minister briefed Yang on the course of direct talks and explained the three-tier proposal, put forward by the President of the Republic Demetris Christofias. Yang stated his countrys support for the continuation of the peace talks and noted that the aim should be the reunification of the island, while securing the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Cyprus, on the basis of the relevant Security Council Resolutions. The two sides also discussed China-EU relations, with emphasis put on the constructive role played by Cyprus in furthering the two sides cooperation. A number of propositions were also reviewed concerning the celebration of the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Moreover, the Ministers discussed the promotion of cooperation between the two countries, by concluding a number of bilateral agreements, currently under negotiation. Kyprianou is expected to meet later in the afternoon with Deputy Prime Minister and Vice-President of the Chinese Government Li Keqiang, before returning to Cyprus. Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. Peace talks are currently underway between Cyprus President Demetris Christofias and the leader of the Turkish Cypriot community. The President has recently put forward a three-tier proposal in a bid to help make headway at the peace talks.

[04] PARLIAMENT - CONFERENCE - PARTICIPATION

She added that it is a challenge for small states to achieve the supply of energy through cost effective and easy means. Akkelidou also referred to Cyprus efforts to search for hydrocarbon reserves within its exclusive economic zone (EEZ) which are underway, as she said, despite constant Turkish obstacles. Securing sustainable energy in accordance with collective international and EU efforts to combat climate change is a necessity, she said.

Referring to Cyprus, Akkelidou presented the significant improvements of recent years in the area of Renewable Energy Sources (RES), giving among others the examples of the use of solar power in Cyprus and of the financial incentives package used for the use of RES. Great steps must be taken in order to fulfill the targets set on RES, she said, adding however that a successful outcome will also depend on the presence of political will. Akkelidou also spoke of the need to increase public awareness and consciousness on energy matters noting that efforts should be made to include this parameter in education and to undertake public information campaigns promoting the correct use of energy.

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