Cyprus News Agency: News in English (PM), 01-11-21

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

CONTENTS

[01] President of the European Parliament to visit Cyprus

[02] Cyprus ratifies Convention on Higher Education

[03] EU Commission: Cyprus' economy ahead of candidates'

[04] Christofias: Clerides-Denktash meeting a test for the UN

1510:CYPPRESS:01

[01]

Nicosia, Nov 21 (CNA) -- President of the European Parliament Nicole Fontaine will pay a two-day official visit to Cyprus from 22-23 November.

During her stay here Fontaine will be received by President of the Republic Glafcos Clerides and meet House President Demetris Christofias, President and members of the House European Affairs Committee and Nicosia Mayor Lellos Demetriades, who will escort her on a visit of the cease fire line, dividing the island since 1974 when Turkish troops invaded and occupied 37% of its territory.|

CNA/MK/MM/2001

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1715:CYPPRESS:02

[02]

Nicosia, Nov 21 (CN) -- Permanent Representative of Cyprus to the Council of Europe (COE) Ambassador Christoforos Yiangou handed today the instrument of ratification of the Convention of the Recognition of Qualifications concerning Higher Education in the European Region, to CoE Secretary General Walter Schwimmer.

A CoE press release said today the Convention that will enter into force for Cyprus, on 1 January 2002, aims to facilitate the recognition of qualifications granted in one country, in another. It is intended to streamline the legal framework at European level, replace and update six other conventions, making it easier for Europe's students to study and work abroad.| CNA/MK/RM/2001

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1955:CYPPRESS:03

[03]

Brussels, Nov 21 (CNA) -- Cyprus' economy is ahead of the economies of the other candidates for accession to the European Union, the European Commission has said in its Autumn Report with its predictions on the economies of candidate countries for the next two years.

In its report given to publicity today, the Commission concludes that the worsening of the international economy has had a negative impact on the progress of the candidate countries' economies and that of the EU member states.

According to the Commission's Report, despite the economic crisis, Cyprus' economy is clearly ahead among those of the candidate countries, a fact verified by the relevant Indices of the Commission's predictions.

The Report states that Cyprus appears to have the lowest unemployment rate for 2001 and 2002, the lowest inflation rate during 2001 and the highest increase rate of the Gross Domestic Product.

The Commission notes that in almost all Indices, Cyprus' economy reaches EU member state standards. CNA/NM/RM/RG/2001

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

2020:CYPPRESS:04

[04]

Larnaca, Nov 21 (CNA) -- House President Demetris Christofias today expressed his agreement with Cyprus President Glafcos Clerides' upcoming face-to-face meeting with Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash, on the condition that it will take place in the presence of a UN representative and within the framework of the UN.

Speaking on his return from a visit to Sweden, where he attended the EU Parliamentary Speakers' Conference with the participation of their counterparts from EU candidate countries, and Finland, at the invitation of his Finnish counterpart Riitta Uosukainen, Christofias said that such a meeting will constitute a "test for the UN themselves as well as the Secretary General and the Security Council".

He added both Denktash and Turkey try to make clear that their goal is to promote and impose their position for a confederation in Cyprus.

Christofias said he wants to believe that the UN Secretary General and his representative will draw their conclusions after the meeting, pointing out that "our wish is to finally have substantive talks for promoting a solution to the Cyprus question."

Replying to a question, Christofias said "if Denktash is proceeding with tactic manoeuvres" then that would be "a mockery of the UN."

The House President expressed conviction that "President Clerides will defend the basic principles" on the conducting of the talks and the solution to the Cyprus problem.|

CNA/MAN/RM/RG/2001

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

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