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Thursday, 19 December 2024 | ||
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Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 11-10-04Cyprus News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Cyprus News Agency at <http://www.cyna.org.cy>CONTENTS
[01] US PRESIDENT - CYPRUS ISSUEWashington remains committed to supporting a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem that will bring prosperity and security to future generations on the island, US President Barack Obama has said in a congratulatory letter to Cyprus President Demetris Christofias.The letter was sent on the occasion of the 51st anniversary of Cyprus independence on 1 October 2011. We look forward to the day that Cyprus is reunited as a bizonal, bicommunal federation, Obama noted and praised the bonds of friendship and common ideals that both the United States and Cyprus share. Obama congratulated Christofias and the people of the Republic of Cyprus on the 51st anniversary of Cyprus` independence on October 1. ``For more than half a century, our countries have shared friendship and common ideals. The United States remains committed to supporting a comprehensive settlement that will bring prosperity and security to future generations in Cyprus. We look forward to the day that Cyprus is reunited as a bizonal, bicommunal federation. I wish you and the people of the Republic of Cyprus the very best on the anniversary of your independence, Obama said. Cyprus became an independent state in 1960, after a four-year colonial rule against the British. [02] CYPRUS PEACE TALKS - NEW YORK MEETINGCyprus President Demetris Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu discussed on Tuesday procedural matters in view of their meeting, in New York, with the UN Secretary General Ban Ki moon at the end of October.In statements after their meeting, President Christofias said that today we looked into procedural issues between now and 31st of October, when we are going to meet with the Secretary General. Replying to questions, the President said things are proceeding normally for the New York meeting, noting that this is how things have been scheduled. Asked about his expectations, he said he always wants to be optimistic. [03] MOLDOVA - CYPRUS - MoUThe Republic of Moldova supports Cyprus efforts to reach a solution of the Cyprus problem and fully respects its sovereign rights as regards exploration and exploitation of any hydrocarbon reserves in its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration of the Republic of Moldova Iurie Leanca has stressed, after a meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs Erato Kozakou Markoullis.During the visit, Markoullis briefed the Moldovan Minister on the latest developments in the UN led direct negotiations for a political settlement, which unfortunately have not been moving forward. The Cypriot Minister also briefed her counterpart on the Turkish threats against Cyprus sovereign rights in its EEZ. Noting that Moldova faces to some extent similar problems due to continuing secessionist movement, Iurie Leanca said that Cyprus has already a very important experience in this respect and is an inspiration in identifying solutions. He wished Cyprus all the best in identifying a viable solution based on international law. Referring to Turkish aggression against Cyprus in its EEZ, he said that Moldova fully supports Cyprus position which is based on international law and expressed hope that Cyprus will exercise its sovereign rights without any problems. In their statements, the two Ministers stressed the need to further enhance bilateral relations, especially in tourism, commerce, the economy and investments. [04] PRESIDENT - COMMISSION REPORT - MARI BLASTPresident Demetris Christofias has said that the findings of a report by a government appointed Commission of Inquiry on a deadly blast, at a naval base last July, will be scrutinized. He said that a police report into possible criminal offences relating to the same incident, which killed 13 people, injured dozens and badly damaged the islands main power plant, will also be studied very carefully. The police report was handed earlier today to the Attorney General Petros Clerides while the findings of the Commission were made public on Monday.The Commission report said that the President of the Republic bears grave personal responsibilities for the tragic blast. It also said that former ministers of defence and foreign affairs have serious responsibility, and noted that the Fire Service did not act when it should have done so, days prior to the explosion. Following the publication of the report, President Christofias categorically rejected that he bears personal responsibility, adding that he will not resign. Invited to comment on criticisms from political parties after his reaction to the Commission report, Christofias said that I dont want to say anything more than what I said last night. Polyvious (head of the Commission) findings as well as the police report will be examined thoroughly. We remain calm and will wait until we look into the police report as well. Cyprus News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |