Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 10-12-19

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

CONTENTS

[01] SPOKESMAN - CYPRUS ISSUE - UN

[02] CYPRUS - ISRAEL - EEZ AGREEMENT

[03] CYPRUS - BRITAIN - AIR TRAVEL

[04] CHRISTOFIAS - WISHES TO EROGLU - HEALTH

[01] SPOKESMAN - CYPRUS ISSUE - UN

In his annual press conference, the UN Secretary General referred to Cyprus as well, in addition to the various issues still pending worldwide. This indicates that the question of Cyprus is high on the UN agenda and this is where we want it to be, he said.

He reiterated that the government seeks a political settlement in the UN framework, on the basis of UN resolutions and decisions.

President Demetris Christofias, in his capacity as the negotiator of the Greek Cypriot side, goes to the talks with good will and in a constructive spirit, is trying to ensure that any convergences reached with the Turkish Cypriot side are within the agreed basis, which is a bizonal bicommunal federation with political equality as defined by the UN, a single sovereignty, one citizenship and one international personality, he told the press.

This is the objective of the government, he added.

The government, he said, believes that Turkey has not been absolved of its responsibilities with regard to Cyprus, pointing out that EU Council conclusions note that Ankaras role in the solution effort is pivotal.

They also note that, in spite of its public declarations for a speedy Cyprus solution, Ankara has not done anything while they appeal to Turkey to actively work towards this direction.

We are working to ensure that Turkey is under pressure to change its stance on Cyprus, the Spokesman added.

Turkey, whose troops occupy Cyprus northern part since they invaded in 1974, does not recognise the Republic of Cyprus, nor has it made any move to meet its commitments to the EU, including normalizing relations with Nicosia and opening its ports and airports to Cypriot flagged vessels and aircraft.

President Christofias is engaged in peace talks with the leader of the Turkish Cypriot side Dervis Eroglu to find a negotiated settlement that would reunite the country. The UN SG Ban Ki moon, who met the two leaders in mid November in New York, has invited them to another meeting in late January in Geneva to review the situation.

[02] CYPRUS - ISRAEL - EEZ AGREEMENT

The bilateral agreement was signed on Friday between Cypriot Foreign Minister Markos Kyrianou and Israeli Minister of National Infrastructure Uzi Landau. Efforts to delineate the countrys EEZ are being made without any fanfare and in a specific, meticulous manner. The result was the signing of the bilateral agreement with Israel, he told the press, commenting on the agreement.

The government of Cyprus is always working to defend and strengthen the Republic of Cyprus and to fully utilize the advantages that derive out of procedures which aim to strengthen its sovereignty, the Spokesman remarked. The agreement, he added, has opened up new opportunities and prospects.

[03] CYPRUS - BRITAIN - AIR TRAVEL

Hermes Airports Communications and Public Relations Director Adamos Aspris has told CNA that due to bad weather conditions in Europe and the UK, changes are anticipated to continue today on flights to and from Cyprus. He called on travelers to contact the airlines they have made reservations with to find out the status of their flights.

According to Manchester and Heathrow websites, the first one is operating but Heathrow Airport announced it would not be accepting arrivals on Sunday, and will only manage a handful of departures as its airfield team continues to deal with the impact of yesterday`s bad weather and prepares the airport for a full re-opening on Monday.

In a statement, Cyprus Airways expressed regret for the inconvenience passengers are facing due to the weather conditions mainly at UK airports. It said that after a Heathrow Airport Authority announcement, there will be no arrivals until 2200 tonight while some departures do not include Terminal 1 where Cyprus Airways flies from. For this reason, said CY, passengers affected will travel when conditions allow and will be informed accordingly.

[04] CHRISTOFIAS - WISHES TO EROGLU - HEALTH

According to an official statement, President Christofias contacted by telephone the Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu who had some health problems. During their brief conversation, President Christofias wished Mr Eroglu speedy recovery, the statement added.

The two leaders are scheduled to continue their regular meetings on 21 and 28 December in the framework of the UN-led direct negotiation process to solve the Cyprus problem.

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