Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 11-12-05

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

CONTENTS

[01] President: Differences remain in external relations

[02] CBC Governor: Disastrous for Cyprus to enter ESM

[01] President: Differences remain in external relations

Speaking to the press after a meeting he had with the Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu in the framework of UN-led direct talks to solve the Cyprus problem, the President said the leaders aides, George Iakovou and Kudret Ozersay will have a meeting in order to focus more on the matter.

Replying to a question whether the Turkish Cypriot side wants the two federal constituent states to be able to sign separate agreements with third countries, President said that there is the possibility for direct agreements in relevant matters, such as trade and culture issues, however this must happen in cooperation with the Central Government and our differences focus on that.

He also said that during todays meeting, the two leaders had an exchange of views on the property issue.

The UN will continue their shuttle diplomacy in order to have some results before the meeting end of January, between the UNSG and the leaders of the two communities, President said.

President Christofias said that during todays meeting, the Greek Cypriot side brought up the issue of the census conducted in the occupied areas on Sunday, underlined that the issue should be discussed according to the international principles.

We cannot agree with the position of the Turkish Cypriot side that any data put on the table by either side regarding the citizenship issue will be accepted, he noted. He also said that during the next meeting between the leaders to take place on Monday, the Greek Cypriot side will ask UNSG Special Adviser Alexander Downer for clarifications whether UN observers have visited the occupied areas for the census.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. The leaders of the two communities are currently engaged in UN-led negotiations with an aim to reunify the island.

[02] CBC Governor: Disastrous for Cyprus to enter ESM

Speaking to the press following a session of the Parliaments Finance Committee, Orphanides welcomed the consensus reached during last weeks meeting at the Presidential Palace regarding additional austerity measures, noting that this is a very positive step for our country.

Following last Fridays agreement, I expect that these measures will be implemented right away. We must observe the reactions by markets very closely, in order to see whether this new package of measures will help us to gain credibility, the Governor underlined.

He also called on everyone to show responsibility and seriousness, stressing that if we fail to convince the markets, the measures we will have to take later on will be even harder.

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