Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 11-12-15

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

CONTENTS

[01] Spokesman: Solution product of mutual agreement

[02] Greek FM: Turkeys threats against Cyprus exacerbate tensions

[03] Government assures Sundays elections will take place

[04] Warm welcome to Archbishop of Athens and All Greece

[01] Spokesman: Solution product of mutual agreement

In a meeting he had with the press in Athens on Thursday, Stefanou briefed them on recent developments in the ongoing negotiations for the settlement of the Cyprus problem, the economy, recent events concerning the exercise of the Republics sovereign rights within its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and the Cyprus EU rotating presidency in the second half of 2012.

Referring to progress in the ongoing UN-led negotiations, Stefanou pointed out that the solution must be the product of a mutual agreement in the framework of the bi-communal dialogue, which will be approved in two different and simultaneous referenda by Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots.

He stressed that the Greek Cypriot side remains committed to the basis of a solution as this is described in UN resolutions namely a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation, with a single nationality and a single international personality - rejecting categorically any solution which would refer to a confederation or two states.

Stefanou referred to the lack of progress in the direct talks blaming it on the positions of the Turkish Cypriot side. The Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu, he noted, has reneged from positions previously agreed at the negotiating table.

As regards drilling within the Republics EEZ, he noted that the second licencing round is due to proceed soon based on the legislation in place and transparent procedures.

Stefanou further spoke of Cyprus EU presidency which is due to take place during a difficult period because of the global crisis. He assured that the Cypriot presidency will have a European agenda and priorities and will handle any issues arising in the proper manner.

The Spokesman dismissed suggestions that Cyprus may apply to the European Financial Stability Facility. Cyprus, he said, has made sure that its financing needs are met.

Salaries, pensions or the 13th salary will not be reduced in Cyprus, he pointed out.

[02] Greek FM: Turkeys threats against Cyprus exacerbate tensions

Addressing the Parliamentary Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence at the Hellenic Parliament on Thursday, Dimas referred to the EU General Affairs Council Conclusions, noting that a united strong message was sent to Turkey.

The Councils Conclusions express deep concern over Turkeys threatening behaviour against Cyprus, he said, adding that member states sovereign rights as provided for by the Law on the Sea Convention, as part of the acquis communautaire, including exploration and exploitation of their natural resources were stressed.

According to Dimas the EU Council also expresses disappointment over Turkeys statements that it will freeze relations with the EU during the Cyprus EU rotating presidency in the 2nd half of 2012, whilst it was made clear that Turkey must fulfill its Cyprus related EU responsibilities.

[03] Government assures Sundays elections will take place

Municipal and local elections will take place on Sunday, Interior Minister Neoklis Sylikiotis stressed here today, in the wake of a 12-hour strike the civil servants are staging today, who have also said they will not work on Sunday.

Sylikiotis was speaking after a meeting at the Ministry with representatives of political parties, the Chief Returning Officer and the District Returning officers, in response to the call of public sector trade union PASYDY to civil servants not to work for the local administration elections.

The Minister announced that there will be another meeting on the issue with the political parties, on Friday, while Chief Returning Officer Andreas Assiotis urged PASYDY to reconsider its position.

[04] Warm welcome to Archbishop of Athens and All Greece

Ieronymos arrived on Wednesday in Cyprus on an official visit, at the invitation of Archbishop of Cyprus Chrysostomos.

Present at the welcoming ceremony were House President Yiannakis Omirou, leaders and representatives of Greek Cypriot parties, military and police officials and the Greek Ambassador in Nicosia.

Addressing Ieronymos, Archbishop Chrysostomos said his visit enhances further the already excellent relations between the two churches and supports the struggle of the Cypriot people for a solution to the Cyprus issue.

He added that Ieronymos presence in Cyprus gives courage to the people of Cyprus both on religious and national issues.

In his speech Ieronymos expressed grief for not being able to visit the churches and monasteries in the northern Turkish occupied areas and wished that this will be done in future with the help of God.

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