Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 10-11-08

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

CONTENTS

[01] PRESIDENT NEW YORK - MEETING

[02] DOWNER - UN CYPRUS SOLUTION

[03] EU - TURKEY CYPRUS SOLUTION

[04] MINISTER - TURKEY AIR RESTRICTIONS

[01] PRESIDENT NEW YORK - MEETING

In addition, President Christofias stressed that the main aim of that meeting is to break the possible deadlocks in order to pave the way for a solution to the Cyprus problem.

Speaking here Monday, on his return to the Presidential Palace from the meeting he held with the Turkish Cypriot leader, in the framework of the ongoing direct negotiation process, President Christofias said that during today meeting they continued the discussion for the preparation of the meeting they will have in New York with the UN Secretary General.

I would like to assure you that everybody promises that there will not be a change in the Cypriot owned process, that there will not be any arbitration and no change in the role of the UN, he said, noting also that what has been said about convening an international conference on the Cyprus issue, is not on the agenda of the meeting with Ban.

This is the assurances we have received from the UN, he added.

President Christofias also said that during the meeting with Ban and Eroglu, a review of the course of the direct negotiations will take place, but not in a written or a joint communique.

In addition, he stressed that he will defend principles and that the aim of the meeting in New York is to break the possible deadlocks in order to pave the way for a comprehensive solution. This is the target, and I do not propose to go to New York in order to ascertain a deadlock, he said, stressing that he wishes to continue the negotiations in a creative way.

On November 18, Christofias and Eroglu will meet the UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in New York.

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] DOWNER - UN CYPRUS SOLUTION

He pointed out however that the UN does not force anything on anyone that they do not want, when asked if the UNSG intends to submit proposals during the meeting, expressing hope that the meeting will inject new impetus in the process.

Speaking to reporters after todays meeting between President Demetris Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu, Downer said the leaders had a very good discussion on the property issue.

He also said they talked about the upcoming meeting in New York, adding it will be an important day in the process.

Downer said they had a good opportunity to discuss how that day was likely to come out. Of course we dont know what the conclusions are going to be, we are not pre-cooking anything here, we will see how everything goes but obviously we hope that the meeting with the SG will inject some momentum into the process.

[03] EU - TURKEY CYPRUS SOLUTION

Filote also said that the EU does not confirm Turkish press report about an initiative by the European Commissioner on Enlargement Stephan Fule to unblock negotiating chapters in Turkeys accession course.

What I can say is that Mr. Fule monitors closely developments, he is in contact with all the parties involved in the Cyprus question and is available to them to help the negotiations, she added.

It is no secret, she added, that the Commission supports the negotiations in Cyprus, aimed at finding a solution to the problem.

The Commission expects Turkey to contribute towards that direction. The Commission believes that if a solution is found, it would be in the best interest of Cyprus, the EU and Turkey as well, because it will lead to the acceleration of the Turkeys EU negotiation process, she concluded.

[04] MINISTER - TURKEY AIR RESTRICTIONS

This violation, she explained, results in the prohibition of over flights by Cypriot aircraft of Turkeys airspace.

The issue is at a very positive stage for Cyprus, the Minister said, while talking to the members of the Parliamentary Committee on Financial and Budgetary Affairs, which discussed the Ministrys 2011 budget.

The Minister said the restrictions imposed by Turley are unheard of, noting that there is no other similar case worldwide.

She added that the Ministry will make representations to end this prohibition and asked for EU assistance in this respect.

Marcoullis said that there have been four similar cases in the past, one of which concerned the prohibition imposed by the USA on Cuban aircraft. Following Cubas appeal to the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), the US was forced to open two air corridors, the Minister said.

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