Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 11-11-20

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

CONTENTS

[01] HOUSE PRESIDENT - CYPRUS PROBLEM

[02] KYRENIA BISHOPRIC - ELECTIONS

[01] HOUSE PRESIDENT - CYPRUS PROBLEM

Speaking during the annual memorial service for the EOKA liberation struggle hero Kyriacos Matsis at Palehori village, in Nicosia district, Omirou said we have to work to end the occupation, unite the state, secure human rights and fundamental freedoms of the entirety of the people of Cyprus.

We should convey the message that Cypriot Hellenism will not submit and with prudence and responsibility, we will reject the logic of accepting the superiority of the invader and by rejecting the continued demands for concessions by foreign pressure which are in favour of the invader and violator of international law, Omirou remarked.

We should make it clear that we are not willing to write off rights, he said, adding no blackmail, no threat, obstacle or pressure should lead us to a humiliating agreement.

Omirou said that Cyprus cannot remain the only divided country in Europe, when Europe itself is proceeding with unification. Europe cannot tolerate the presence of an occupation army in an EU member state, he added.

He pledged that we should insist in safeguarding the rights of all the people of Cyprus and especially restoring the rights of refugees and the enclaved, withdrawal of the occupation troops and settlers, securing the smooth and effective functioning of the state, the peaceful cohabitation with our Turkish Cypriot compatriots, as well as the welfare and progress of all the people of Cyprus.

In our struggle, he said, we are reinforced by the support of Greece and its people.

Omirou said the need to change tactics and strategy in handling the Cyprus issue is imperative as the direct talks procedure has exhibited the increasing Turkish intransigence which must be reported to the international and European community. At the same time, he added, an outline of the solution should be drafted setting out the security boundaries for the national and natural existence of Cypriot Hellenism and exploiting the Cyprus European role in connection with Turkeys European aspirations.

Whoever wants security and stability in the region to prevail, should turn to the source of anomaly which is the Turkish aggressiveness, Omirou said, adding they will bear great responsibility for any possible turmoil in the region as it is almost certain their interests will also be affected.

The recipe is simple, he said, they should persuade Turkey to agree to a solution according to civilized humanity and persuade the country to withdraw its forces from Cyprus and accept the international law and UN resolutions.

The Republic of Cyprus, which joined the EU in May 2004, has been divided since 1974, when Turkish troops invaded and occupied 37% of its territory. UN led talks are underway between President of Cyprus Demetris Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu with a view to reunify the country.

[02] KYRENIA BISHOPRIC - ELECTIONS

According to official results, Kykkotis received 3.145 votes or 43,52% while Archimandrite Benedict Ioannou garnered 33,06% or 2.389 votes while Bishop of Mesaoria Gregorios 16,44% or 1.188 votes. Other candidates received 446 votes.

A total of 27,92% (7.318) voters out of the 26.213 registered went to the polls. According to the procedure, any voter can submit an objection about the electoral procedure to the Holy Synod within three days of the voting. After that, within five days, the Holy Synod will convene to ratify the results and decide on the three candidates that received the most votes. Following that, in the next three days, the Holy Synod will convene to elect a new Bishop of Kyrenia.

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