Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 11-02-03

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

CONTENTS

[01] CHRISTOFIAS PAPANDREOU MEETING

[02] GAROYIAN LONDON WORKING VISIT

[03] DG EU MILITARY NATIONAL GUARD

[04] CYPRUS INFLATION INCREASE

[01] CHRISTOFIAS PAPANDREOU MEETING

The two sides reaffirmed their close cooperation in the Cyprus issue and in the field of energy, noting that they coordinate their policy and their initiatives.

In statements after the meeting, President Christofias stressed Athens firm support to Cyprus, saying that he informed the Greek Prime Minister about the recent meeting which took place in Geneva between himself, UN Secretary General Ban Ki moon and the Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu.

He said that at the Geneva meeting, the Greek Cypriot side expressed its good will to proceed, in an effective manner, to the achievement of a just and viable solution of the Cyprus problem the soonest possible.

A solution that will be based on the UN Security Council resolutions, the High Level Agreements, the international law and the EU acquis communautaire, he stressed.

President Christofias went on to note that the burden to prove a good will for a political settlement in Cyprus lies on Turkey and the Turkish Cypriot side.

The UNSG, he said, makes an effort to help the leaders of the two communities of Cyprus to determine the cores issues in which there are still differences. He added that since the November meeting in New York, there have been some convergences in the chapter of economy, less convergences in the EU chapter and even less in the chapter of governance and power sharing.

This, he said, is due to the persistence of the Turkish side to present proposals which do not fall within the agreed basis or the UN resolutions on Cyprus.

He also referred to the Turkish Cypriot sides persistence in refusing to discuss a linking of the issues concerning territorial adjustments, properties and the issue of the thousands of illegal Turkish settlers who are brought to the Turkish occupied areas of Cyprus.

Referring to the UNSGs stance, President Christofias said he seems to support the above linking of chapters, noting the need to work with the UNSG and the international community to exert pressure on Turkey to accept that.

This is the key to have, by our next meeting, the soonest possible, better results, he stressed.

Moreover, President Christofias said that the Turkish side aims to lead the Cyprus talks to a deadlock, in order to ask again the UNSG to convene a four - party conference on the Cyprus issue to discuss the internal aspects of the Cyprus problem and the issue of guarantees, something, which does not fall within the SGs mandate.

This can not be accepted, he said, adding that the Greek Cypriot side has all good will and is determined, provided that Turkey contributes to efforts, to proceed to the solution of the Cyprus problem by the end of the year, a solution that would be viable, functional and can be accepted by the people.

In his statements, Papandreou stressed his support towards the Cypriot government, expressing hope that the Turkish Cypriot side responds positively to the proposals of the Cypriot President so that a mutually agreed compromise can be reached, without timeframes or arbitration.

Athens supports the struggle of the people of Cyprus for solution and reunification, the Greek PM underlined.

The solution, he said, must be viable, just and functional and must be based on a bizonal, bicommunal federation, as defined in the relevant UNSC decisions. He added that the solution must provide for one state with one and only sovereignty, citizenship and international personality, based on the EU principles and in full respect of the acquis communautaire.

The Greek Prime Minister stressed that the Cyprus issue is of high priority for the Greek foreign policy, adding that there can be no full normalization of the Greco-Turkish relations unless there is a solution of the Cyprus problem.

Referring to energy issues, Prime Minister Papandreou said that Greece and Cyprus have similar interests in the energy field as well as in issues concerning sea economic zones.

Athens and Nicosia, he said, are in constant coordination, closely examining developments and taking the necessary decisions and initiatives.

On his part, President Christofias stressed that it is up to the state itself to exercise its sovereign rights concerning the law of the sea.

He added that Cyprus and Greece are coordinating their efforts, noting that they have to consider everything, since each political move has also its consequences.

Commenting on recent developments in Egypt, President Christofias said that they affect us all and expressed the wish that there is a positive outcome for the sake of peace.

On the same issue, the Greek Prime Minister referred to the long- lasting relations between Greece and Egypt, noting that any changes in the neighboring country should take place with reliability and without violence.

The Republic of Cyprus, an EU member state since 2004, is divided since 1974, when Turkish troops invaded and occupied 37% of the Republics territory. UN - led talks are underway with a view to reach a solution of the Cyprus problem and reunify the country under a federal roof.

[02] GAROYIAN LONDON WORKING VISIT

Garoyian, who departs Friday for the British capital, will meet with Speaker of the House of Commons John Bercow, Minister of State responsible for European issues David Lidington, Shadow Minister for Europe Wayne David and other members of the British Parliament.

According to an official press release, Garoyian will also meet with Archbishop of Thiatiron and Great Britain Gregorios and hold meetings with members of the Cypriot community.

[03] DG EU MILITARY NATIONAL GUARD

On arrival at the National Guard headquarters, Osch, who was accompanied by Lieutenant General Petros Tsalikidis, Chief of the National Guard, inspected a military guard of honour. He then had a private meeting with him during which they discussed issues of common interest and was briefed on the mission of the National Guard.

Osch was then led to the National Guard operations room, where he was briefed on the operational status of the National Guard and Turkey`s occupation troops in the areas of Cyprus it occupies since it invaded the island in 1974.

During his visit to the island, Osch is expected to meet with the Ministers of Defence and Foreign Affairs, Kostas Papakostas and Markos Kyprianou, respectively.

[04] CYPRUS INFLATION INCREASE

According to an announcement issued on Thursday by the Statistical Service, the Consumer Price Index for January 2011, decreased by 0,94 units, or 0,82% to 113,51 units compared to 114,45 in December 2010.

The decrease was due to sale discounts across most of the retail sector.

Statistical Service announced that increases have been recorded in the prices of food products, alcohol and cigarettes as well as utility bills.

Cyprus has imposed a 5% Value Added Tax on all food and beverages, excluding alcoholic drinks, beer, wine and soft drinks, as well as on the delivery of medicine and vaccines.

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