Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 12-05-23

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

CONTENTS

[01] Spokesman: Gul`s statements reveal Ankara`s real intentions on Cyprus

[02] ECA special report on EU assistance to the Turkish Cypriot community

[03] Markopouliotis: Cyprus is serious about a successful EU Presidency

[04] Priorities of Ministry of Education during EU presidency set out

[01] Spokesman: Gul`s statements reveal Ankara`s real intentions on Cyprus

The Spokesman was commenting on statements by the Turkish President, who said he had told UN Secretary General Ban Ki - moon that Ankara would come up with alternative solutions to the Cyprus problem.

``The deadlock of the Cyprus problem is due to the negative stance of Turkey and the Turkish Cypriot leadership`` Stephanou said, adding that Gul's statements ``reveal the real intentions and policy of Turkey in Cyprus``.

In statements to journalists at the Presidential Palace, the Spokesman said that Turkey's policy at the Cyprus talks aims to prepare the ground for a plan B' on Cyprus in order to consolidate the de facto division of the island and to upgrade the illegal Turkish occupation regime in Turkish occupied Cyprus.

Stephanou noted that the Turkish side has failed to fulfill the commitments it had made to UN Secretary General and is now attempting to cancel any agreement reached between the two sides in Cyprus – the Greek Cypriot and the Turkish Cypriot sides - as regards the basis of the Cyprus talks.

Unlike the Turkish side, he said, the Greek Cypriot side has worked and will continue to work for a solution to the Cyprus problem, based on the relevant UN Security Council resolutions and within the agreed basis, which provides for a solution based on a bizonal, bicommunal federation with political equality as defined in the UN resolutions, for one state, with a single sovereignty, one citizenship and one international personality.

Stephanou pointed out that Turkey`s policy to upgrade the illegal Turkish Cypriot regime in Turkish occupied Cyprus is contrary to the UN resolutions and international law.

He furthermore noted that Turkey is causing tension in the region in response to the Republic of Cyprus' sovereign right to explore and exploit any hydrocarbon reserves in its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

"We denounce Turkey's policy and we urge the international community to work towards exerting pressure on Turkey to respect and implement the UN resolutions on Cyprus so that a solution to the Cyprus problem can be found", he concluded.

Cyprus has been divided since the Turkish invasion in the summer of 1974. Turkey since then occupies 37% of Cyprus' territory, situated in the north.

Peace talks are underway to find a negotiated settlement that will reunite the country, under a federal roof.

Ankara has threatened Cyprus when Nicosia launched last September its exploration activities within its EEZ.

[02] ECA special report on EU assistance to the Turkish Cypriot community

However, according to ECA the construction of a seawater desalination plant, which is the programme's largest project (€27.5 million), ended in failure, while more generally, the sustainability of projects is often in doubt.

The ECA assessed whether the European Commission is managing EU financial support to the Turkish Cypriot community in the northern part of Cyprus effectively.

Specifically, the ECA examined whether the Commission drew up an assistance programme which reflected the instrument's objectives; whether appropriate implementing arrangements were put in place; and whether the individual projects were achieving their intended results. The audit did not seek to assess whether the programme is contributing to the political objective of reunification.

[03] Markopouliotis: Cyprus is serious about a successful EU Presidency

In an interview with the Cyprus News Agency, the Nicosia-Based EU official notes the outstanding level of preparations by the government, as well as the commitment of political parties in turning into a success the first ever EU Presidency, which the country will assume since becoming a member of the bloc in 2004.

He points to several benefits for the country in being successful in this endeavor, but notes that real profit lies with the political capital the country will earn for doing well.

Asked whether Cyprus has managed to shake off the suspicion of EU partners regarding its one-dimensional interest, due to its preoccupation with the Cyprus problem, the Head of the EU Representation responds that the Cypriot EU Presidency has already made it clear that it would leave national interests aside during its term.

[04] Priorities of Ministry of Education during EU presidency set out

According to the Minister of Education and Culture, George Demosthenous, the priorities concentrate on education, culture, youth and sports, promoting Cyprus' culture both inland and overseas and strengthening the students and educationalists on EU issues and promoting the work that takes place in schools.

A total of 17 councils and events will take place in Cyprus, the most important of all the conference on literacy that will take place early September and the informal Meetings of Ministers of Sports and Education that will take place late September – early October.

He said the overall objective is to ensure excellent preparation and implementation of the programme, effective management of portfolios, tabling proposals to come to solutions that are honourable and a compromise for the benefit of all citizens of the EU and offering a warm Cypriot welcome to all the guests.

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