Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 11-01-05

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

CONTENTS

[01] GERMAN AMBASSADOR - MERKEL`S VISIT - INTERVIEW

[01] GERMAN AMBASSADOR - MERKEL`S VISIT - INTERVIEW

In an interview with CNA, Zeitz said that this is the first visit of a leader of the German government to the Republic of Cyprus, which underlines the importance of Cyprus for Germany. He added through this visit political contacts between the two countries reach their peak.

He expressed Germanys interest in playing a role towards the termination of Cyprus division, noting that Germany has excellent relations with Cyprus and is not unaffected by the situation on the island. The German diplomat underlined that the principle of European solidarity applies for Cyprus as well.

Merkel will pay a one-day working visit to Cyprus on 11 January 2011. The Chancellor looks forward to her visit to Cyprus, Zetiz said, adding that Germanys vivid interest in Cyprus is underlined by this visit as well as the importance of your country for Germany.

The Ambassador also noted that with Merkels visit proves a fundamental principle of the European policy, that for Germany there are no major or minor partners within the EU.

Germany maintains relations with all EU countries, relations of mutual respect based on our common European interests, he continued.

Asked about Berlins stance on the Cyprus problem, the German Ambassador underlined that Germany has excellent relations with Cyprus and is not unaffected by the situation in an EU state-partner.

He noted that our duty for European solidarity applies for Cyprus as well, adding that as a country which has experienced division, Germany sympathizes with the drama of the people of Cyprus.

He said that Cyprus shows particular interest in how Germany solved the property issues, noting at the same time that Germanys experience in this field does not constitute a formula for the settlement of the Cyprus problem, but can give some ideas that could be readjusted according to the situation in Cyprus.

Due to their personal experience and the division of their country, Germans really understand the Cypriots need to terminate the division of the island, he underlined.

He added that towards this direction, Germany wants to help, as much as possible, as it is a reliable country enjoying appreciation and respect worldwide.

Zeitz also said that all countries that wish to join the EU must implement the acquis communautaire unrestrictedly.

Asked about the relations between the two countries, the Ambassador described them as excellent and noted that they are based on mutual understanding between the two peoples. They are based on their common beliefs as regards the EU fundamental principles, he said.

Zeitz also referred to the financial relations between the two countries, giving emphasis the to shipping and tourism industries.

He also said that Germany imports great amounts of Cypriot products, while Cyprus imports many German vehicles.

Zeits noted that there is room to deepen relations between the two countries in the cultural and scientific field.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkish troops invaded and occupied 37% of its territory.

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