Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 02-10-27

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

CONTENTS

[01] President: peace talks must go on

[02] Third candidate joins presidential race

[03] Defence Ministry announces cancellation of military exercises

[04] Weather and Temperatures for Cyprus

[05] Hannay to work for a settlement before EU December summit

[01] President: peace talks must go on

1230:CYPPRESS:01

President: peace talks must go on

Larnaca, Oct 27 (CNA) -- President Glafcos Clerides has said that there is a general consensus among interested parties in the Cyprus question that the UN-led peace talks must continue, adding that proximity talks, instead of the current direct talks, might be on the cards.

Speaking on his departure for Copenhagen for a briefing of candidate countries by the European Union presidency, the President said he believed it was possible to find a negotiated settlement in Cyprus if the Turkish side shows the political will, but noted that a lot will depend on the outcome of next month's general elections in Turkey.

On the postponement of military exercises by Greece, Turkey and Cyprus in the weeks ahead, President Clerides said that assurances have been given on the matter but warned that if any party does not comply with what had been agreed, there would be a corresponding response.

''The Cyprus problem is an international issue and its solution cannot depend on whether one of the two interlocutors, due to health reasons, is not in a position to continue the negotiations,'' the President said.

He said he does not know how the talks will continue and added ''talks will however continue and the overall decision by Europe and other interested countries is that these talks should not be interrupted.''

Asked if he would negotiate with anybody else than Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Dentkash (currently recovering from open heart surgery), the President replied ''it is likely that a different approach will be applied though I have no information to this effect.''

[02] Third candidate joins presidential race

1340:CYPPRESS:02

Third candidate joins presidential race

Nicosia, Oct 26 (CNA) -- Nikos Koutsou, leader of the New Horizons party, will contest next year's presidential elections, a party congress decided today.

The party decision was unanimous and Koutsou joins the presidential race as the third candidate.

The other two presidential hopefuls are Democratic Party (DIKO) leader Tassos Papadopoulos, who is backed by the main opposition AKEL party, and Socialdemocrats Movement leader Yiannakis Omirou, who is backed by the ruling Democratic Rally (DISI).

[03] Defence Ministry announces cancellation of military exercises

1415:CYPPRESS:03

Defence Ministry announces cancellation of military exercises

Nicosia, Oct 27 (CNA) -- The National Guard's annual military exercises, scheduled for next week, have been cancelled, the Defence Ministry officially announced today.

''The Ministry of Defence announces that the planned manoeuvres NIKIFOROS - 2002 by the National Guard from 29 October to 3 November are cancelled,'' a ministry press release said.

The official announcement came after statements by President Glafcos Clerides and Defence Minister Socratis Hasikos that the exercises will not take place.

[04] Weather and Temperatures for Cyprus

1435:CYPPRESS:04

Weather and Temperatures for Cyprus

Nicosia, Oct 27 (CNA) - Today's weather and temperatures for Cyprus, according to the Meteorological Service at Larnaca International Airport are:

Temperatures (degrees Celcius)

Station Maximum Minimum Weather (At 1200 UTC)

Nicosia 27 14 FINE Larnaca 27 15 FINE Limassol 28 17 FINE Paphos 25 16 FINE

[05] Hannay to work for a settlement before EU December summit

1625:CYPPRESS:05

Hannay to work for a settlement before EU December summit

Nicosia, Oct 27 (CNA) -- Britain has pledged to do all it can to help the Greek Cypriot and the Turkish Cypriot sides to reach a comprehensive settlement before the European Union summit in mid December, London's special representative for Cyprus Lord David Hannay has said.

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