Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 11-01-17

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

CONTENTS

[01] ARMENIAN PRESIDENT - CYPRUS VISIT

[02] CYPRUS-ARMENIA BUSINESS FORUM

[03] HOUSE PRESIDENT - TURKEY - CYPRUS ISSUE

[04] STAVRAKIS - EUROGROUP`S VICE PRESIDENT

[01] ARMENIAN PRESIDENT - CYPRUS VISIT

The Armenian President, on an official visit here, said that he fully supports Cyprus positions as regards the Cyprus problem, noting that the future of the Cyprus Armenia relations is a bright one.

In statements to journalists after the conclusion of his meeting with Cypriot President Demetris Christofias, followed by official talks of the two delegations, President Sargsyan also referred to the four agreements signed between the two countries, saying that they are very important for further enhancing bilateral relations.

In his statements, President Christofias expressed his gratitude towards Armenia and its people for their support for Cyprus struggle to become a free country, free from Turkish occupation troops and assured of Nicosias support for the EU - Armenia relations.

Speaking through an interpreter, President Sargsyan said that during the meeting they discussed relations with Turkey, noting that Cyprus and Armenia do not solve problems with threats or on the basis of political interests.

He underlined that despite efforts to normalise relations with Turkey, the borders between the two countries remain closed and there are no diplomatic relations between them.

Armenia is not against Turkeys EU accession. But on the other hand we believe that Turkey cannot continue its EU course without reconciling itself with its past and without developing constructive relations with its neighboring countries, he stressed.

Expressing his support for Cyprus positions as regards the Cyprus issue, he thanked Nicosia for its support with regard to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

Referring to Cyprus Armenia relations, the Armenian President said that their future is bright and assured that the two Presidents will do their utmost towards this direction.

In his statements, President Christofias said that the talks took place in a very friendly environment of mutual understanding, noting that this also describes our very friendly bilateral relations.

He thanked the Armenian President and the people of Armenia for their continuous support to Cyprus, saying that this support has always been based on values.

I would like to thank President Sargsyan and the people of Armenia for their continuous support for our struggle to free our country from the Turkish occupation and from Turkeys policy to illegally bring settlers to the island and for your support of the reunification of Cyprus based on a bizonal, bicommunal federation with one and only sovereignty, citizenship and international personality, he stressed.

Expressing Cyprus support towards efforts to resolve the issue of Nagorno-Karabakh, he said that this should be resolved with peaceful means and on the basis of international law.

Referring to the courageous stance of the government and the President of Armenia for the normalisation of relations with Turkey, he said that Cypriots understand very well the difficulties and the necessity of such an attempt.

He expressed the wish that this effort is crowned with success, noting that this would have a positive impact on both countries and on the wider region as well.

Referring to the EU Armenia relations, President Christofias pledged that Nicosia will continue supporting actively the further enhancement of this relationship.

Cyprus, he said, is a firm supporter and friend of Armenia in the EU.

President Christofias commended the Armenian people who live in Cyprus, saying that they remind us of the close bonds of friendship which exist between both countries and peoples.

Both Presidents referred to the significance of other fields of cooperation between them and to the four agreements they signed.

The Armenian President said the two Presidents decided to maintain the high level of political dialogue, noting that recently the two countries have begun developing a co-operation in the defense field as well.

President Christofias said the political declaration signed between the two Presidents reflects the excellent level of the Cyprus Armenia relations and their common commitment to ecumenical values and principles.

President Christofias and President Sargsyan signed a joint declaration on bilateral relations, while the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Markos Kyprianou and Edward Nalbandian signed an agreement on the avoidance of double taxation.

Minister of Commerce, Industry and Tourism Antonis Paschalides and Armenian Minister of Economy Tigran Davtyan signed a memorandum of understanding and a joint action plan for 2011 2012 in the field of tourism.

Minister of Health Christos Patsalides and his Armenian counterpart Harutyun Kushkyan signed a working plan on the agreement for cooperation in the field of public health and medical science.

Cyprus, which became a full EU country in 2004, has been divided since 1974, when Turkish troops invaded and since then occupy 37% of Cyprus territory.

[02] CYPRUS-ARMENIA BUSINESS FORUM

This co-operation can and should be reciprocal, with Armenia serving as an access route to the Caucasian countries for the business world of Cyprus he added. President Christofias noted that despite the fact that the trade and economic relations between Armenia and Cyprus are for the time being very limited, however, the appropriate preconditions exist for them to become closer and better, to the mutual benefit.

Within this framework our Government is firmly committed to supporting and encouraging such activities, by providing the appropriate preconditions for a closer co-operation he added,, pointing out that contacts between and the undertaking of initiatives by the business world is of utmost importance.

[03] HOUSE PRESIDENT - TURKEY - CYPRUS ISSUE

The House President said that the ongoing direct talks between the leaders of the two communities in Cyprus, to reunite the country which has been divided since the 1974 Turkish invasion, are in stagnation due to Turkish stance.

Turkeys proposals lead to a confederation and to two separate states, Garoyian underlined, whereas the Greek Cypriot side is showing great will in order to reach a solution based on bi-zonal, bi-communal federation. Garoyian also said that the international community needs to appeal to Turkey regarding its obligations towards Cyprus, adding that if the Cyprus problem remains unsolved, Turkey cannot join the EU.

[04] STAVRAKIS - EUROGROUP`S VICE PRESIDENT

According to an official announcement, Eurogroup consists of the Finance Ministers of the 17 member states of the Euro zone. The current president of the Eurogroup is Jean-Claude Juncker, former Finance Minister and current Prime Minister of Luxembourg.

The Group meets once a month, one day before the meeting of the Economic and Financial Affairs Council (Ecofin) of the Council of the European Union. Eurogroup plays a crucial role in shaping EU policy on economic and financial issues.

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