Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 12-03-06

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

CONTENTS

[01] Cyprus denies reports on Turkey`s negotiating chapters

[02] President extends condolences to the Polish people

[03] Omirou calls for alternative plan on Cyprus problem

[04] Cyprus’ harmonised inflation remains unchanged

[01] Cyprus denies reports on Turkey`s negotiating chapters

A report by Turkish daily ``Hurriet`` invoking European Commission notes that Cyprus Minister of Foreign Affairs Erato Kozakou Marcoullis said Nicosia would not oppose to the opening of the chapters 23 and 24 namely on Judiciary and fundamental rights and Justice, Freedom and security.

Describing these reports as unfounded, Marcoullis recalled that these chapters are included in the chapters that have been frozen following a unilateral decision by the Republic of Cyprus in December 2009.

She also said that this report follows information and interpretations published in the Greek Cypriot press of the European Commission`s decision to proceed with the so-called positive agenda,`` which aims to keep reforms going in Turkey.

Noting that the process on how to proceed with the positive agenda has not been completed yet, Marcoullis said that we have secured in the EU General Affairs Council conclusions that the positive agenda can be pursued only if the negotiating framework is being followed.

She also said that the Commission is at the process of informing the Turkish authorities regarding the six chapters and the acquis communautaire, clarifying that these two chapters are not included in this process as no agreement has been reached by the member-states concerning the opening benchmarks.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. Turkey does not recognise the Republic of Cyprus and has said it will have no contacts with Nicosia, when it assumes the rotating EU Presidency in the second half of 2012.

Although it signed the Additional Protocol to its Customs Union with the EU in 2005, Turkey refuses to normalize its relations with all EU member-states including Cyprus and denies opening its ports and airports to Cypriot ships and airplanes.

[02] President extends condolences to the Polish people

In his message of condolences, President Christofias wrote the following: “On behalf of the Government and the people of Cyprus, as well as on my own behalf, I would like to express our most sincere condolences for the loss of sixteen people following the fatal train accident in southern Poland, on 3 March 2012».

«At this moment of mourning, I express my deepest sympathy to the families of the victims, as well as to the President, the Prime Minister, the Government and the friendly people of Poland. I also wish speedy recovery to those injured,” Cyprus President concluded in his message.

[03] Omirou calls for alternative plan on Cyprus problem

Omirou, who has completed his contacts in London on Monday with a meeting with Speaker of the House of Common John Bercow, said he briefed his British counterpart on recent developments in Cyprus after the Greentre meeting.

He referred to the escalation of Turkish intransigence, adding that an international conference can only be convened if there is a solution to the international aspects of the Cyprus problem.

Bercow expressed the hope that a solution will be achieved for the sake of peace and justice.

[04] Cyprus’ harmonised inflation remains unchanged

During the first two months of 2012, the Harmonised Index of Consumer Prices or harmonised inflation rose also 3.1%, compared to the corresponding period of 2011.

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