Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 12-06-05

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

CONTENTS

[01] European Commission: Cyprus can overcome economic challenges

[02] PSEKA disappointed with Obama administration's stance on Cyprus

[03] EU supports Cyprus' priorities, Minister of Interior says

[01] European Commission: Cyprus can overcome economic challenges

Olivier Bailly confirmed that the Commission is in close contact with Cypriot authorities, as well as with other Eurozone members, to discuss the issues.

He further noted that "there is nothing new to comment on", while he pointed to the recommendations, issued by the European Commission on May 30.

"We are confident that Cyprus will overcome existing challenges, provided that it will implement the reforms that have been agreed and will follow the recommendations we issued last week" Bailly concluded.

[02] PSEKA disappointed with Obama administration's stance on Cyprus

In an interview with CNA, Philip Christopher, President of the International Coordinating Committee "Justice of Cyprus" (PSEKA) said "We are very disappointed with the administration. It has basically maintained the status quo; they have offered the same rhetoric".

Christopher was speaking, ahead of the 6-8 June 28th Annual Cyprus and Hellenic Leadership Conference that will be held in Washington DC, with the participation of over 100 of the top Greek-American leaders from across the country, and Hellenes from around the world (including Canada and Britain).

He said that the conference is being held, at a moment of crucial geostrategic changes in the Eastern Mediterranean that may affect the course of the Cyprus problem.

"The most dynamic event in the area is the discovery of the hydrocarbons between Cyprus and Israel and the recent alliances and agreements that have been announced between the two countries", Christopher told CNA.

The delegates will attend meetings with over 40 key Senators and Members of Congress involved in the formulation of US policy toward Cyprus, Greece, the Ecumenical Patriarchate and Turkey, including:

[03] EU supports Cyprus' priorities, Minister of Interior says

In an interview with CNA, the Minister noted that Cyprus has assured that it is ready to conclude the discussions on the Common European Asylum System (CEAS), noting however that "so far the omens on how these discussions will progress are not clear".

Mavrou said that during its EU Presidency, Cyprus would try to reach convergences on a number of issues regarding the CEAS and in particular the conclusions that will be adopted by the European Council on the readmission of migrant agreements.

She stressed that it is very essential in these conclusions to include the need for Turkey to fulfill its EU obligations and to implement the EU-Turkey Readmission Agreement, adding that if Turkey fails to do so, the Cyprus government will not concur.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. Turkey which aspires to join the EU does not recognize the Republic of Cyprus, an EU member since 2004.

According to the Interior Minister, Cyprus has stressed to its partners in the EU the fact that Turkey refuses to cooperate with the Republic of Cyprus especially in the area of justice and home affairs without any consequences.

In her interview with CNA, Interior Minister also referred to the outbreak of racism and violence against the migrants all over the EU, noting that the Cypriot Presidency will try to promote inclusion and integration policies.

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