Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 10-12-04

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

CONTENTS

[01] SPOKESMAN - FAMAGUSTA

[02] CYPRUS - ISRAEL - FIRES

[01] SPOKESMAN - FAMAGUSTA

Invited to comment the proposal made by Turkish Cypriot businessmen for Famagusta to remain under the administration of the Turkish Cypriot pseudo-state, Stephanou said that UN resolutions on Famagusta provide for something else.

He noted that President Christofias` proposal on Famagusta is balanced, feasible and applicable because it is based on the UN resolutions and foresees the return of the fenced-off city of Famagusta under the United Nations administration, which is a basic parameter of the proposal.

President Christofias proposal, Stephanou stressed is balanced because it beneficial for all, constitutes a breakthrough for the EU as regards the development of relations with the Turkish Cypriot community and gives motives to Turkey to be able to continue its EU accession course.

He also recalled that the proposal provides for the de-freezing of EU accession chapters frozen for Turkey, provided that Ankara will accept this proposal.

He added that the benefit for the Greek Cypriot side will be that Famagusta`s legal inhabitants will return to the town.

Stephanou said that from time to time Turkey declares it wants a solution the soonest but does nothing in this direction, as noted and in the conclusions of the European Council last December.

Turkey has not fulfilled any obligations and has not restored its relations with the Republic of Cyprus, he added.

So Turkey must show with deeds that it wants a solution to the Cyprus issue, on the basis of the UN resolutions, of the agreed basis for a solution, which is the bizonal, bicommunal federation, he concluded.

Cyprus has been divided since Turkish troops invaded and occupied 37% of its territory.

UN Security Council resolution 550 (1984) considers any attempts to settle any part of Varosha (the fenced off area of Famagusta) by people other than its inhabitants as inadmissible and calls for the transfer of this area to the administration of the UN.

Famagusta was captured by the advancing Turkish troops during the second phase of the Turkish invasion, in mid August 1974. Since then, it has remained sealed off, under the control of the Turkish military.

[02] CYPRUS - ISRAEL - FIRES

Police Spokesman Michalis Katsounotos told CNA that firefighting efforts were reinforced on Saturday by other aircraft teams sent from various countries and the situation is definitely better than Friday.

The only problem are the stormy winds although there is optimism that with the reinforcement of efforts to battle the fire with new aircrafts which arrived on Saturday morning at Israel from various countries, the fire will get under control, he added.

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