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Monday, 18 November 2024 | ||
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Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 11-03-08Cyprus News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Cyprus News Agency at <http://www.cyna.org.cy>CONTENTS
[01] BRITISH MP - CYPRUS ISSUEThe key to the whole solution in Cyprus is in Turkey releasing its grip on the north of Cyprus, said British MP and Co-Chair of the All Party Parliament Group for Cyprus David Burrows during an interview with the London Greek Radio (LGR).Burrows, who has recently visited Cyprus, said the time of his visit was important as it coincided with the Turkish Cypriots rise up against being dominated and dependable on Turkey. We talk about wanting to support a bi-zonal, bi-communal, federal solution to the Cyprus problem he noted, adding that the bi-communal bit means that there needs to be a Turkish Cypriot community able to stand on its own feet and not be wholly dependent on Turkey. Referring to the will of the Turkish Cypriots, he said that during his stay he was able to ask questions and he reached the conclusion that although Turkish Cypriots are concerned about austerity measures taking place, they are also concerned, as populations throughout the region are concerned, about being able to determine their destiny. The real key for a solution, he said, is to ensure that Ankara recognises that its troops need to get out of the island and they need to release their control on the island and ensure that Cypriots, Turkish and Greek Cypriots, are able to control their destiny. Commenting on the expression of concern by UN SG Ban Ki-Moon as to the rate of progress in the ongoing negotiations, Burrows said Ban was expressing the same concern politicians across the political spectrum have for years now, adding that the answer isnt just to berate the Greek Cypriots, but rather to ensure that the appropriate pressure is exerted on Turkey to make sure that it realises it needs to keep in line with the fundamental principles of a bi-zonal, bi-communal federal solution and not to try and change the goalposts. Those goalposts have been set, he said, adding that those principles that will lead to a just and a sustainable solution must be properly respected so that the Cypriots can move forward unencumbered by outside powers trying to exert their influence and will and timing on the issues, so that a solution can be reached. Speaking of the task ahead for the Cyprus All Party Parliamentary Group, he said that the time is now to make sure that we have true freedoms and justice in Cyprus and respect for the rule of law and as a European nation can be fully respected and not divided. Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. President of the Republic of Cyprus Demetris Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu are currently engaged in UN-led direct negotiations, with an aim to reunify the island, under a federal roof. [02] LABOUR MINISTER - EU COUNCILMinister of Labour and Social Insurance Soteroulla Charalambous, who participated in the EU Council of the Ministers of Employment and Social Affairs in Brussels on Monday, outlined Cyprus positions on employment concerns. The Council prepared the proposals for the Spring European Council later in March.Charalambous expressed concern with regard to the Council Conclusions on the Joint Employment Report and to the connection between salaries and wages in the member states with one and only factor, saying that the Council needs to take into consideration the labour system of each country. Charalambous abstained from the voting to ratify the Councils Conclusions. She also expressed concerns about the European Framework and the retirement age so as to improve both the adequacy and sustainability of their pension systems. In her intervention, the Minister of Labour referred to the reforms that are essential to combat poverty, social exclusion and unemployment and to achieve equality between men and women. [03] FILM FESTIVAL - NICOSIAThe 4th International Documentary Film Festival of Nicosia opens its gates in March 11 and promises to be provocative, educational and entertaining, organizers have said in a press release, which outlines the films to be screened during the festival.In the film Whats in a Name, infamous New York performance artist Jon Cory, whose female sensibilities run deeper than most, decides to get breast implants in order to enhance his performance. Only problem is, hes at a loss what to call himself. A man or a woman? This and more will soon be answered by director Eva Kupper, who spent endless hours with him during the shoot. The film Family Matters is nothing but a family portrait, only the dad prefers to pose in heels. The eccentric patriarch - once infamous for his flamboyant fashion shows and opulent feasts - does what he can to convince his son that just because he liked to wear womens clothes, it doesnt mean he loved him any less. Cyprus News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |