Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 11-04-01

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

CONTENTS

[01] PRESIDENT TURKEY CYPRUS PROBLEM

[02] PRESIDENT - PASIDY

[03] SPOKESMAN PRESIDENT - SUPPORT

[01] PRESIDENT TURKEY CYPRUS PROBLEM

Departing for Britain where he would meet his British counterpart, Erdogan asserted that the negotiations in Cyprus had come to a deadlock due to Greek Cypriot side`s efforts to ``run out the clock`` and reiterated his country position for a high-level meeting on Cyprus with the participation of Turkish and Greek sides and guarantor countries (Greece and Turkey).

``This is the well-known position and the communication policy of Turkey which unfortunately appeals to some circles which otherwise should criticize Turkey``, Christofias said, wondering why the Turkish position is not appealing to French President Nicola Sarkozy and to German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

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] PRESIDENT - PASIDY

``I have already met with the PASIDY twice and I will invite the Union`s leadership, if it is possible, to meet again next week,`` Christofias said.

As part of the fiscal measures included in the 2011 state budget, President is holding contacts with PASIDY with a view to reach an agreement concerning the public servants` contribution to the reduction of the state wage bill, amounting to 35 million euro.

Cyprus finance Minister Charilaos Stavrakis expressed hope on Thursday that PASIDY will contribute to the fiscal consolidation effort after the adoption of the 0.05% tax on commercial banks deposits.

[03] SPOKESMAN PRESIDENT - SUPPORT

Without this support, without unity in the internal front, the difficulties we will be faced will be even greater, said Stephanou who was delivering an address commemorating the National Day of April 1st which marks the anniversary of the EOKA liberation fight of 1955 - 1959 against British colonial rule.

For 37 years we have fought to end the Turkish occupation of the island and reunite both country and people, he noted, adding that the bi-zonal, bi-communal federation is our only option to achieve this.

According to Stephanou this is the historic compromise made by the Greek Cypriot community accepted for the first time by the first President of the Republic, Archbishop Makarios. He added that this basis for a solution was also adopted by the UN, the EU and many other international organizations.

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