Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 11-01-16

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

CONTENTS

[01] CYPRUS PRESIDENT REUNIFICATION - TURKEY

[02] HOUSE PRESIDENT - TURKEY - OBLIGATIONS

[03] FOREIGN MINISTER - EGYPT - VISIT

[01] CYPRUS PRESIDENT REUNIFICATION - TURKEY

Speaking on Saturday during the Christmas ball of the Police Force in Nicosia, the President said to the audience that he is not in the position to claim that we are close to a solution, because we are not.

Referring to Turkey, he added, however, that the struggle is going on and it will continue, until the occupying force is removed from the island and Ayse goes home.

He also expressed his wish for the illegal settlement of the occupied territories to end soon, so that everybody may enjoy the reunification of the country.

Moreover, the President of the Republic, speaking during another event in Nicosia, on Saturday, organized by the Union of Cyprus Journalists, wished the year 2011 to bring about a solution to the Cyprus problem.

The President wished the solution to reflect the interests of Cypriots only and called on everybody to join forces to this end, in a rational manner.

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

The leaders of the two communities are currently engaged in UN-led negotiations with an aim to reunify the island.

[02] HOUSE PRESIDENT - TURKEY - OBLIGATIONS

He added that this stance is being confirmed by the proposals the Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu has put forward recently, on the subject of governance, under Ankaras guidance. Moreover, he said that the current phase of the negotiation process affirms the good will of the Greek Cypriot side for attaining a fair, functional and viable solution.

Many times the good will of the President of the Republic has been confirmed at the negotiations table the House President said. He added that it is time to put a total and in-depth evaluation of the course of negotiations on the table, by examining both the Turkish role, as well as the approach of all actors in the international community, exerting influence in the Cyprus problem.

Speaking on Marcos Dracos, the EOKA fighter who struggled against the colonial administration for freedom, Garoyian said that after 54 years, his sacrifice has not been vindicated yet. He added that the heroic stance and the courageous example displayed by Dracos remind everyone today, ``that its is our duty to our country and our heroes to stand firm and fight``.

[03] FOREIGN MINISTER - EGYPT - VISIT

The two sides reviewed during their meeting their bilateral relations and confirmed the excellent state of cooperation between the two countries. Kyprianou also briefed his counterpart on the issues of concern for the Cypriot community of Egypt. The crisis in Lebanon and the conflict in the Middle East were among the issues discussed between the two Foreign Ministers, with both men agreeing on their view for the establishment of an independent and sovereign Palestinian state.

Foreign Minister Kyprianou also briefed Gheit on the latest developments concerning the Cyprus issue. The Egyptian Foreign Minister stated Egypts support to the negotiation process and for the efforts to reunify Cyprus in accordance to UN Security Council resolutions. Kyprianou thanked Gheit for Egypts continuous support, especially within the Organization of the Islamic Conference.

On Saturday, Kyprianou also met with Bishop Moussa of the Coptic Church, to whom he offered a financial contribution on behalf of the Cyprus government, for supporting the families of the victims of the terrorist attack in Alexandria.

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