Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 11-06-22

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

CONTENTS

[01] CHRISTOFIAS - CYPRUS PROBLEM

[02] CYPRIOT EU PRESIDENCY - HEAD - RESIGNATION

[03] FINANCE MINISTER - ECONOMY

[04] UNDP - TREMETOUSIA VILLAGE

[01] CHRISTOFIAS - CYPRUS PROBLEM

Christofias said that many would win from a just settlement to the Cyprus problem, while all those involved will lose if the destructive division of the island continues.

Speaking at a ceremony during which he was awarded an Honourary Doctorate by the European University of Cyprus, President Christofias reiterated that the settlement of the Cyprus problem constitute a goal of his life.

My vision is to terminate occupation, division and the ongoing illegal settling, he noted, adding that the Turkish Cypriot community is in danger due to the ongoing illegal settling, while the uncontrolled flow of settlers in Cyprus and the violation of the sovereignty of the independent Republic of Cyprus constitutes a huge danger for the Greek Cypriots.

If division becomes permanent and legitimate, Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriot will lose a great part of their country permanently.

``Our vision is that Cyprus will become a bridge of solidarity and social cohesion for the southeastern Mediterranean region. To become a basis of cooperation and economic development, an area for the development of science and letters, an example for all neighboring countries and neighboring nations. An area for dialogue and conciliation. A leading force for the economic development and geopolitical importance of the region``, Christofias said.

He recalled that in about a year, the Republic of Cyprus will assume the EU Presidency saying that this is a national duty. Our wish is that a united, federal Republic of Cyprus will take over the EU Presidency. This depends almost entirely on the attitude of the Turkish Cypriot leadership and Turkey at the negotiating table,`` he said.

Christofias said that the fact that Turkey claims that it builds a policy of zero problems with its neighbouring countries, while it illegally occupies part of an independent and sovereign country as Cyprus, a UN and EU member state, is a major contradiction. He also noted that the possible discovery of natural gas and oil in the EEC of the Republic of Cyprus constitutes an additional motive for the Turkish Cypriot side to work for a Cyprus settlement.

We aim that both Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots will enjoy the benefits of a possible exploitation of any Cypriot reserves, in a free and reunified Cyprus, he said.

Christofias thanked the European University of Cyprus for this honour, in recognition of his contribution and his work as a politician.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. Negotiations are currently underway between President Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglou for a solution of the Cyprus problem

[02] CYPRIOT EU PRESIDENCY - HEAD - RESIGNATION

Stephanou said that the preparative work concerning the EU Cypriot Presidency, during the second half of 2012, has reached an advanced stage, even though much work remains to be done.

He noted that the government will continue to work for a successful Presidency that will enhance the prestige and the reliability of the Republic of Cyprus as an equal EU member state.

Asked when the new Head of the Secretariat will be appointed, Stephanou said that this will be announced as soon as relevant decisions will be taken. He expressed certainty that the Cypriot Presidency will be successful.

In a written statement, Moleskis thanks the President for assigning him the honorable position as Head of the Secretariat of the Cypriot EU Presidency, as well as the Ministries, state services and associates ``for the significant work that has been achieved so far in preparing the Cypriot EU Presidency.``

[03] FINANCE MINISTER - ECONOMY

Stavrakis said that the recent world economic crisis has undoubtedly affected the Cyprus economy, which for the first time since the Turkish invasion in 1974 displayed a negative growth rate of 1.7% in 2009.

In 2010 the Cypriot economy entered a phase of gradual recovery, with a rate of growth of 1%, and an improvement in the public finances as reflected in the containment of the fiscal deficit to 5.3% of GDP, he noted.

[04] UNDP - TREMETOUSIA VILLAGE

As noted, the works for the upgrading of the main square of the village is one of several projects funded by the EU and implemented by UNDP-PFF in small villages and towns in the occupied areas, aiming to create new public spaces for community gatherings and social activities.

By this project, we aimed to enhance these spaces and promote their public use for community purposes. Concurrently, we hope that the consolidation and rehabilitation of the village most representative and historic buildings, will contribute to the reinforcement of a common sense of responsibility for the preservation of the tradition and originality of these villages cultural heritage Tiziana Zennaro from UNDP-PFF stated.

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