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

Cyprus News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

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

CONTENTS

[01] GOVERNEMENT SPOKESMAN - NATIONAL COUNCIL

[02] LEADERS` AIDES - MEETING

[03] FINANCE MINISTRY - INDEXES - GROWTH

[01] GOVERNEMENT SPOKESMAN - NATIONAL COUNCIL

Speaking during a media briefing and invited to comment whether there are any recent developments following the leaders` last meeting, Stephanou referred to the Geneva meeting scheduled for the 26th.

``There have been two meetings following the leader`s meeting with the Secretary General in New York, there is a meeting scheduled on the 12th``, Stephanou said, adding that ``the leaders` aides also held some meetings and therefore the President will brief the political parties on all these developments``.

The Greek Cypriot and the Turkish Cypriot sides have been engaged in direct negotiations since September 2008 to find a mutually agreed settlement that will reunify the country, divided since the Turkish invasion of the island in 1974.

The two leaders met with UN SG in New York in November and agreed to meet again in Geneva late January.

[02] LEADERS` AIDES - MEETING

The meeting between Iacovou and Ozersay was held to prepare for the meeting of the leaders, namely President of the Republic of Cyprus Demetris Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu, on January 12, in the context of direct negotiations to solve the Cyprus problem.

Iacovou told CNA that ``we are proceeding and preparing the meeting of the leaders.``

Cyprus, which joined the EU in 2004, has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third.

[03] FINANCE MINISTRY - INDEXES - GROWTH

Speaking to journalists following meetings he had with delegations from Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Cyprus Employers and Industrialists Federation, Stavrakis said that the public deficit for 2010 is estimated to be 5,5%, noting that the European Union required a deficit of 6%, thus the goal is very much achieved.

Regarding the public debt, the Minister of Finance said that it is expected to reach 60,6%, underlining the fact that EU was foreseeing this index to reach 62%.

Cyprus debt will be reduced, thus the loans will be cut down by 250 million euro and therefore there will be a great benefit for the consumers, Stavrakis added.

Commenting on the economic growth index, Minister of Finance said that there will be an increase of 1,5%, adding however that Cyprus will have to turn to foreign markets in the second half of 2011.

Cyprus News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article