Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 12-04-21

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

CONTENTS

[01] Cyprus House supports EU efforts for recovery

[02] Government Spokesman's message on Greek junta anniversary

[03] UN Secretary-General discussed with Downer the next steps in Cyprus

[04] Cabinet approves draft anti-piracy legislation

[01] Cyprus House supports EU efforts for recovery

According to an official announcement, Omirou, while addressing the Conference of Presidents of EU member states Parliaments in Warsaw, said during the discussion on the Stability Pact, Coordination and Governance of the Economic and Monetary Union that the Cyprus House supports the establishment of mechanisms to preserve European unity, social cohesion and solidarity among member states.

He added that the financial crisis threatens the EMU, one of the greatest achievements of European integration, and endangers thereby the European project.

The question, Omirou went on, is whether the new Stability Pact will be able to ease the causes of this crisis, and underlined the potential of putting in doubt the scope of the Pact due to possible non-ratification by national referenda.

The President of the House further added that the welfare of European citizens should always provide the main pillar for EU actions. He noted that it is imperative to search for proposals aiming at regaining competitiveness through investments in research, technology and qualification, targeting especially the young people.

[02] Government Spokesman's message on Greek junta anniversary

The military junta seized power in Greece following a coup d' etat on April 21, 1967, establishing a military rule that collapsed seven years later, in July 1974, after the Turkish invasion in Cyprus.

The Athens junta caused great suffering in Greece by abolishing democracy, Stephanou went on. He added that the greatest of all sufferings was caused however in Cyprus, since the junta was taking part in conspiracies, designed by foreign imperialist NATO circles, to the expense of the country. The climax of these conspiracies was the double crime committed in Cyprus, with the fascist coup d' etat organized by the Athens junta and EOKA B, and the subsequent Turkish invasion of the island, the Government Spokesman said.

Since then, he added, our people are fighting to put an end to the Turkish occupation, to the illegal transfer of Anatolian settlers in the occupied territory and to the island's de facto division. He added that the people are fighting for the reunification of the country, in order to be able to move towards the future with confidence, peace and security, following a Cyprus solution.

[03] UN Secretary-General discussed with Downer the next steps in Cyprus

The Spokesperson of the Secretary-General made no statements regarding the meeting. Downer also refrained from any statements after the meeting. Earlier, the UNSG Special Advisor told the Press that he would stay in New York until Wednesday, adding that he will stop over in Cyprus, before departing for Australia.

On Monday, Downer has scheduled meetings with representatives of the parties involved, while he is also expected to meet with Security Council members.

[04] Cabinet approves draft anti-piracy legislation

The Minister of Communications and Works Efthymios Flourentzos, while speaking to Cyprus News Agency, said the Bill was "pioneering and important", noting that its approval by the Cabinet and its consequent adoption by the House of Representatives will turn Cyprus into "a pioneer on a global scale" on the matter. The Cyprus Shipping Chamber welcomed from its part the adoption of the Bill, noting that it may provide an answer to the "gangrene" of the phenomenon of Piracy.

Flourentzou, in his statements to CNA, said that the Bill regulates the provision of armed escorts to Cyprus-flagged vessels, by specially trained and certified guards. "A coordinated work has been done by all involved," Flourentzou noted, referring to the Ministries of Communications and Works, Justice and Labour, as well as other competent authorities. All parties addressed the draft Bill by taking into account the international context and with an aim to strengthen Cypriot shipping, the Minister added.

He also disclosed that many ship owners were discussing the problem, exerting pressure in favor of a solution, due to piracy-related problems in the area of Somalia and the Gulf of Aden. The Minister said that there are other countries that have taken similar measures and noted that Cyprus is one of the first countries to adopt such legal acts, making it a pioneer in the field. "The goal is Cyprus to retain its position in world shipping", he added.

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