Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 11-01-03

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

CONTENTS

[01] CHRISTOFIAS - CYPRUS ISSUE - EFFORTS

[02] SPOKESMAN - GENEVA MEETING

[03] NATURAL GAS - BRIEFING

[04] ALEXANDRIA - ATTACK

[01] CHRISTOFIAS - CYPRUS ISSUE - EFFORTS

Speaking during the first press briefing of the New Year, Stephanou said that the Government welcomes 2011 with optimism and confidence, noting that it will continue the work started in February 2008 to implement the government programme, regardless of problems and obstacles arising.

On the Cyprus issue, he said that the President of the Republic will continue the efforts to achieve a solution based on principles and pursue a realistic policy with clear strategic objectives taking into account the conditions both in Cyprus and internationally.

``The basis of the solution is a bi-zonal bi-communal federation, a historic compromise of the Greek Cypriot side which guides us in the efforts to resolve the Cyprus problem since 1977, he stressed.

He added that UN resolutions on Cyprus, international and European law and of course the 1977 and 1979 High Level Agreements between the two Cypriot communities also constitute our guidance towards a solution.

The objective, he continued, is to end the occupation, reunify the island and the people and restore its human rights and basic freedoms.

He also said that the President would continue to participate in the negotiations with the same determination and constructive approach, hoping and expecting that we will encounter the same good will on behalf of the Turkish side.

Government Spokesman concluded by saying that the Government will continue to actively work at the European as well as at the international level in order for Turkey to be convinced to change its stance and cooperate for the solution of the Cyprus problem.

[02] SPOKESMAN - GENEVA MEETING

Stephanou noted that President of the Republic of Cyprus Demetris Christofias was ready to participate in the meeting in the most constructive manner.

He said the Greek Cypriot side has clear positions and aims, and that the UN Secretary General has set an aim for discussions between the two sides in order to achieve further convergences on fundamental issues, in which disagreements have been determined.

Stephanou noted that two meetings between President Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu, in the context of direct negotiations to solve the Cyprus problem, were cancelled due to the latter`s health, and that they are scheduled to meet on January 12.

[03] NATURAL GAS - BRIEFING

Government Spokesman Stephanos Stephanou said the briefing was held in the presence of members of the Natural Gas Public Company (DEFA), the Electricity Authority of Cyprus (EAC) and the Cyprus Energy Regulatory Authority (RAEK).

Stephanou said that ``we are still at the stage of information`` and that ``when everyone has been informed, we will be able to proceed.``

``The process for bringing natural gas and the issue of the strategic investor who will be undertaking the project began some time ago, in specific ways and with specific procedures,`` he added.

[04] ALEXANDRIA - ATTACK

``The Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemns the appalling terrorist attack against worshippers at the Coptic Church in Alexandria, which unfortunately caused the tragic loss of so many innocent civilians``, a press release issued on Monday said.

The Ministry also underlined that the Government and the people of Cyprus would like to extend their deepest sympathy and solidarity to the Government and the people of Egypt at these difficult moments.

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