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Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 12-01-24Cyprus News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Cyprus News Agency at <http://www.cyna.org.cy>CONTENTS
[01] Greentree talks resume for second dayDiscussions on the Cyprus problem between Cyprus President Demetris Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu resumed at Greentree on Tuesday in an attempt to find convergences on the chapters of governance, property and citizenship.Delegations from both sides had breakfast with UN officials at the Greentree residence in Long Island, New York. The second day is considered pivotal regarding the talks prospects and all scenarios are open regarding the next step. A diplomatic source has said that so far there is nothing new, but a clearer picture will emerge in the afternoon. The first meeting between the two leaders and the UNSG took place in November 2010, followed by two more meetings in Geneva on January 26 and July 7, 2011, during which both sides reaffirmed their commitment to finding a comprehensive solution as soon as possible, while in Geneva, on 26 January 2011, the sides agreed to intensify the negotiations. Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkish troops invaded and occupied its northern third. Since 1974 Turkey occupies 37% of Cyprus` territory in defiance of UN Security Council resolutions, European Parliament decisions and resolutions, European Council decisions and other resolutions of international fora, which condemn the Turkish invasion and occupation. Ankara has proclaimed a self-styled `state` in the occupied areas of Cyprus, which the UN have called legally invalid and asked the international community not to recognise or facilitate it. The illegal state is only recognised by Ankara. The latest round of UN - led negotiations have been underway since 2008 between the leaders of the two communities in Cyprus with an aim to reunify the island under a federal roof. [02] Cypriot FM meets Rompuy and FuleCypriot Minister of Foreign Affairs Erato Kozakou-Marcoullis, in Brussels on Tuesday, met with President of the European Council Herman Van Rompuy and Enlargement Commissioner, Stefan Fule.According to reports, during the discussion with Van Rompuy they examined issues that are part of the cooperation between the Republic of Cyprus and Brussels. The Minister further informed the EU official on the positions of Nicosia for a Cyprus settlement. During her meeting with Fule, Marcoullis discussed issues concerning cooperation and coordination of the Cypriot Presidency of the EU with the Commission. Their meeting included matters to promote the EU accession course of Iceland. According to planning, a total of 12 negotiating chapters can be closed during the Danish and Cypriot presidencies. They also examined issues promoting Arab Spring countries. [03] Cyprus commended for efforts to reduce deficitThe current president of the Council of the European Union, Denmark, has praised Cyprus, Belgium, Malta and Poland, for their efforts to curb their budget deficits.Danish Minister for Economic Affairs and the Interior, Margrethe Vestager said that Cyprus, Belgium, Malta and Poland have complied with the new rules of the game, applied to reduce their budget deficits. However Hungary was not among the countries that have made sufficient efforts. [04] Cyprus tourist arrivals increase by 10.1% in 2011Total tourist arrivals in 2011 reached 2,4 million persons, recording an increase of 10.1% compared to 2010, figures released by Cyprus` Statistical Service (Cystat) show.According to the results of the Passengers Survey complied by Cystat, arrivals of tourists reached 65,339 in December 2011 compared to 61,199 in December 2010, recording an increase of 6.8%. An increase of 7.1% was recorded in tourist arrivals from the United Kingdom (from 19,661 in December 2010 to 21,054 in December 2011) and 3.4% increase from Greece (from 9,850 to 10,182 in December 2011). Cyprus News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |