Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 12-02-26

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

CONTENTS

[01] UNSG`s report on Cyprus is expected to be descriptive and

technocratic

[02] Omirou calls for changes in policy and strategy over Cyprus problem

[03] Air traffic controllers` new strike affects flights

[01] UNSG`s report on Cyprus is expected to be descriptive and technocratic

The report will mainly describes all that has taken place since the first meeting at Greentree in New York, last July, between the UNSG and the leaders of the two communities, the goals that were set and where the negotiations stand at this point.

Officials at UN headquarters dealing with the Cyprus issue are pessimistic because they thought that at least the chapter of governance could had been closed, according to estimates by Alexander Downer, Secretary-General`s Special Adviser on Cyprus.

They also express the view that based on the results of the Greentree 2 meeting, in New York, and leaders’ first meeting in Nicosia, there are no any elements to show that substantial progress could be achieved.

The same UN source said the political argument taking place at the talks does not allow much optimism, and confirmed that not all information requested by the Secretary General have been exchanged yet, as the Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu argued that every information provided “is being leaked to the Greek Cypriot press”.

The source said that the situation has reached a deadlock.

A diplomat whose country is a member of the Security Council said that based on current facts, he expects that that UN envoy Alexander Downer’s report on the calling of an international conference due to be submitted to the Secretary General by the end of March will be negative.

The purpose of the Security Council is not to lose all that have been achieved in the last 3.5 years of direct talks while the unofficial recommendations of the five permanent members of the UNSC to the UN Secretary General is that the process should be continued until November, mainly at the Leaders` representative level and with infrequent meetings between Christofias - Eroglu.

The same diplomat, invited to comment on the statements of the Turkish side that everything will end on July 1, he said that there is a high cost for someone to say no to a request raised by the Secretary General and on which the Security Council agrees upon.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkish troops invaded and occupied its northern third. Peace talks are currently underway to find a negotiated settlement that will reunite the country, under a federal roof.

[02] Omirou calls for changes in policy and strategy over Cyprus problem

Omirou called for denouncement of the Turkish stance before the international and the European Community, withdrawal of unilateral concessions, configuration of the outline solution for the Cyprus problem which would delineate the safety limits for the survival of Greek Cypriot people. “In the base of the National Council common announcement of September 2009 that may form the basis for a broad national unity”, he said.

He also requested to reclaim the European status of Cyprus and Turkey’s European ambitions, in order Ankara to be forced to give an end to the occupation and accept a settlement based on the principles of International and European Law. “Our struggle is for life and justice and in struggles like these no failure is allowed”, he pointed out.

The process of direct negotiations in the last years not only has not led to progress, but highlighted once more the escalating Turkish intransigence, he stressed. Turkey presents itself, he added, as a neutral observer and eager for a solution.

[03] Air traffic controllers` new strike affects flights

In statements to the press, airport Spokesman Adamos Aspris said on Sunday that the authorities of the two international airports has received last night the official notice – NOTAM for the intention of ATCs to go on a 4hour strike next week, March 2 between 12.00 and 16.00 local time (10.00 -14.00 GTM).

He called the passengers to get in contact with the air flight companies in order to be informed for the changes in their flights on March 2nd.

Aspris also said that a total of 20 flights, 10 departures and 10 arrivals are going to be affected from the strike. Sixteen flights will be affected at Larnaka airport, on the southern coast, and four flights at Pafos airport, on the western coast.

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