Athens News Agency: News in English, 11-01-11

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From: The Athens News Agency at <http://www.ana.gr/>

CONTENTS

[01] Merkel on historic visit to Cyprus

[01] Merkel on historic visit to Cyprus

President Demetris Christofias' "courage, creativity and initiative", as

demonstrated towards solving the Cyprus issue, German

Chancellor Angela Merkel said here on Tuesday.

Merkel is paying Cyprus a one-day visit.

Speaking at a joint press conference with

Christofias, Merkel said Germany does not see the

Turkish side responding in a similar manner to this initiative.

"Your steps show that you are ready to make a compromise," she said

to Christofias.

"We will support the path you have chosen to take in every way we

can," Merkel said, adding that "we know this path is not easy and that

the solution must be achieved by the people of Cyprus".

Referring to the role of the United Nations, the German Chancellor

said the UN can only support and facilitate matters, adding that

she herself will be visiting the UN Representative on the island

later on Tuesday and will be briefed on current developments.

"Whenever I have the opportunity, I will talk with Turkish officials,"

she said.

"We understand your position because Germany has also been a divided

country", she noted.

Referring to Turkey's accession negotiations with the EU, she

expressed Germany's wish that they continue regardless of the final

decision, expressing the certainty that this will help improve

relations between Greece and Turkey.

It is to Germany's interest that relations between these two

countries improve, just as it is that the Cyprus problem is resolved,

she added.

Caption: Cyprus President Demetris Christofias (L) welcomes German Chancellor Angela Merkel (R) at the Presidential Palace in Nicosia, Cyprus, on 11 January 2011. Merkel is in Cyprus for a one-day working visit. Their talks will lfocus on the conflict dividing the islnd for more than three decades. ANA-MPA/EPA/KATIA CHRISTODOULOU

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