Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 05-04-03

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

CONTENTS

[01] Egypt’s People’s Assembly expresses support to Cyprus cause

[02] Church of Cyprus grieves over Pope's death

[01] Egypt’s People’s Assembly expresses support to Cyprus cause

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Egypts Peoples Assembly expresses support to Cyprus cause

Nicosia, Apr 3 (CNA) Egypts deputy Speaker of the People's Assembly Dr. Amal Othman reassured of her countrys support to Cyprus efforts for a solution to the Cyprus problem.

Speaking after meeting Finance Minister Makis Keravnos who is in Egypt for an official visit at the invitation of his Egyptian counterpart Dr. Youssef Boutros Ghali, Dr. Othman said Egypt believes in the right of the people of Cyprus for self-determination without foreign intervention, an official statement said here Sunday.

She also hoped there will be a solution to the Cyprus problem soon so that there can be a united country with a single sovereignty and one voice of expression in the international arena.

At the same time she said that Egypt is being faced with modernizing its economy and political traditions and that the countrys parliament would like to develop closer relations with the Cyprus House of Representatives.

She also referred to the traditional bonds of friendship between the two countries, noting that they have many common elements.

On his part, Keravnos thanked Dr. Othman for Egypts continued and sincere support for finding a Cyprus settlement. He said Cyprus is ready to contribute in efforts to economically develop Egypt through a cooperation that will extend to all sectors of the economy, as well as granting scholarships and educational programmes to Egyptian citizens.

Keravnos also referred to Cyprus role in the wider Mediterranean region following the islands accession to the EU, noting that it is through the cooperation between Cyprus and Egypt that the Mediterranean will become a sea of peace.

The Cypriot Finance Minister also met with the countrys Transport Minister Dr. Essam Sharaf where they examined cooperation between the two countries. Keravnos also referred to the prospects created with Cyprus accession to the EU and cooperation between the two countries in the field of transport and communication. He said Cyprus can become a bridge between Egypt and the EU so that Egypt can benefit from community programmes in developing transport in the wider Mediterranean region.

He also said Cyprus can offer a lot through private initiative in projects concerning the countrys road network and ports.

On his part Dr. Sharaf underlined Egypts intention to develop close cooperation with Cyprus in all sectors of transport and especially bringing tourism from both countries.

Dr. Sharaf referred to Egypts role as a gate to Cypriot and European interests in Africa, noting that Cyprus can operate as a respective gate to promote the interests of the African continent to the EU. The two ministers also agreed to prepare various agreements, which will promote further cooperation between the two countries.

During his stay in Egypt the Cypriot Minister will have meetings with the country's ministers of Economy, Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation, Tourism, Foreign Trade and Industry, Investments and Central Bank Governor. CNA/ÅC/2005 ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

[02] Church of Cyprus grieves over Pope's death

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Church of Cyprus grieves over Pope's death

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