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Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 11-02-18Cyprus News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Cyprus News Agency at <http://www.cyna.org.cy>CONTENTS
[01] CYPRUS GERMANY DOUBLE TAXATION AVOIDANCECyprus and Germany have signed an agreement for the avoidance of double taxation on income and capital, which replaces an older agreement of 1974 between the two states.The agreement was signed Friday by Minister of Finance Charilaos Stavrakis and German Ambassador in Nicosia Gottfried Zeitz. Both of them pointed out that this new agreement further enhances ``the very good`` economic and commercial ties between Cyprus and Germany. The Cypriot Minister described the agreement as very important, noting that negotiations had begun in 2005, taking into consideration the new economic facts in both states. After long efforts, we have reached an agreement which is to the benefit of both states and further enhances the very good economic and commercial relations of our states, Stavrakis went on to say. He added that the government of Cyprus is committed to continue efforts to maintain and further strengthen its position as an important regional center of attracting foreign companies and investments. The agreements for the avoidance of double taxation, he noted, are a very important tool we give to the private sector in order to attract more foreign companies in Cyprus. The Minister of Finance noted that many important German shipping companies exercise their activities in Cyprus, adding that with this agreement doubts as regards the taxation regime of those companies are lifted. In his statements, the German Ambassador said he was satisfied with this new step adding that the new agreement further strengthens the ``already excellent financial relations between the two states``. Zeitz said that Cyprus has become ``an important EU partner for Germany``, and referred to the recent visits paid to Cyprus by German Chancellor Angela Merkel and German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle. In addition, he referred to the memorandum of cooperation signed recently between the Cyprus Institute and the Max Planck Society. Concluding, the German Ambassador expressed his countrys support towards the efforts to reach a solution of the political problem in Cyprus saying that this is important for the prosperity of Cypriots within the European family. [02] GREEK FM TURKEY - UNGreek Minister of Foreign Affairs Demetris Droutsas criticised the stance of Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu in the negotiations for a Cyprus settlement, saying that his approach is reminiscent of past ages and ideas and does not reflect the basis of negotiations, the way it has been circumscribed.Moreover, he reiterated his call to the United Nations to maintain an objective stance. In an exclusive interview to London Greek Radio, Droutsas noted that President Christofias proved throughout this period, since the commencement of talks, that he is able to present constructive positions and proposals. Referring to his meeting with Foreign Secretary William Hague, Droutsas said that he stressed to him the expectation of the Greek side for the United Nations to maintain an objective stance, without simplifications. [03] PARLIAMENT - SEMINAR - PROLIFERATION - ARMSWith the ambition to bring up the armed violence prevention on the political agenda in the countries of Middle East and North Africa at a critical period for the region, the Inter- Parliamentary seminar Proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons Responsibilities, Challenges and Opportunities for Middle Eastern and North African States, began Friday in Nicosia. The seminar is organized by the House of Representatives and the Parliamentary Forum on Small Arms and Light Weapons.In his intervention in the Seminar, Vice President of the Parliamentary Forum, Member of Parliament of Sierra Leone Ibrahim Sorie, said that this is the first regional meeting held specifically for the Middle East and North Africa region, a region where cooperation and peaceful developments are crucial, especially now. It is Forums ambition to bring up proliferation of small arms and light weapons as well as armed violence prevention on the political agenda in these countries, he said In his speech, President of the House of Representatives Marios Garoyian said that hosting the seminar in Cyprus by the Cypriot Parliament shows the readiness of Cyprus, given its geographical positions and its very good relations with neighboring countries, to become a bridge for dialogue and cooperation, contributing to efforts for peace, stability and prosperity in a very sensitive area of the world. [04] ARCHBISHOP TURKEY VIOLATIONSCyprus Archbishop Chrysostomos II has referred to the violation of religious freedoms in Cyprus Turkish occupied areas in his address at the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Executive Committee meeting held here.He also noted the violation of religious freedoms of the enclaved in Karpasia, referring to the interruption of the Christmas Day liturgy in Risokarpaso as well as to the occupation regimes refusal to allow a religious mass at Apostolos Andreas Monastery last November. He said that the Middle East Council of Churches needs to overcome its internal process and reiterated his proposal the Church of Cyprus to undertake the secretariat support of the Councils offices. On his part, Patriarch of Jerusalem Theophilos III said that it is obvious that our joint Christian voice is now more necessary than ever before especially given the current political developments that our region is witnessing. 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