Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 11-02-21

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

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

CONTENTS

[01] PRESIDENT CYPRUS ISSUE

[02] ECOLOGISTS CANDIDATES MAY ELECTIONS

[01] PRESIDENT CYPRUS ISSUE

Addressing the children before their tour of the Presidential Palace, President Christofias noted that the talks for a Cyprus settlement were being carried out between the two communities, noting that, due to the Turkish stance, progress was slow.

He added that Turkish positions on the Cyprus problem were tough and that Turkey`s EU accession course would be facilitated by a settlement.

President Christofias said that at this point Turkey`s EU accession course was at a standstill due to its stance towards Cyprus, since many chapters of its accession negotiations have been frozen, and expressed hope that Turkey would make all necessary moves.

He also referred to the role of third parties in the history of the Republic of Cyprus, as well as efforts to solve the Cyprus problem, the pre-independence period and the British Bases in Cyprus, as well as Cyprus` geographical location which is of strategic importance.

President Christofias furthermore referred to the demonstrations in various neighbouring countries and pointed out that Turkey was ``flirting`` with Islamic countries.

He also mentioned the upcoming parliamentary elections, scheduled for May 22, noting that the pre-election campaign waw already in full swing.

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

President Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu are currently engaged in UN-led negotiations with an aim to reunify the country, under a federal roof.

[02] ECOLOGISTS CANDIDATES MAY ELECTIONS

In statements, General Secretary of the Ecologists Ioanna Panagiotou said the partys Central Committee approved the candidacies, noting the Ecologists ballot paper is balanced, with a large participation of women, totaling 48% and with many young people who express citizens and organized groups.

Panagiotou said that the Movement is now organized for the parliamentary elections, adding we believe that we will have a good result. Furthermore, she said that the Movement aims to maintain its parliamentary seat, increase its share of the vote and try to secure a second seat.

She called on all citizens to exercise their right to vote because it is democracys tool and we should all participate and send the message that abstaining from voting is not an option; it merely helps maintain the establishment.

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