Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 06-04-10

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

CONTENTS

[01] HOUSE SPEAKER - MISSING PERSONS

[02] CENTRAL BANK INTEREST RATES

[03] CYPRUS PRESIDENT - INDIA

[04] SPOKESMAN FORBES

[05] GREEK ARMY CHIEF NATIONAL GUARD

[01] HOUSE SPEAKER - MISSING PERSONS

Military personnel and reservists, as well as civilians, including women and children, were captured by the invading Turkish armed forces during July and August 1974, or disappeared, after the cessation of hostilities, in areas under the control of the Turkish army. Some were listed as prisoners of war by the International Red Cross, but they have not been heard of since.

In his speech at Yiolou village during the funeral of the remains of the late missing person Savvas Antoniades, who was killed in action during the Turkish invasion in 1974, Christofias said ``the solution of this purely humanitarian issue was in the air for many years, because the Turkish side was following a cyclical policy that did not allow substantial progress.``

[02] CENTRAL BANK INTEREST RATES

The official interest rates of the Central Bank of Cyprus, that is the interest rates on the main refinancing operations, the marginal lending facility and the overnight deposit facility, remain unchanged at 3.25%, 4.25% and 2.25%, respectively.

[03] CYPRUS PRESIDENT - INDIA

President Papadopoulos was speaking before his departure to India for an official five-day visit at the invitation of Indian President, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, from April 11 to 16.

A joint statement issued after President Papadopoulos February meeting in Paris with SG Kofi Annan said ``the leaders of both communities have agreed that bicommunal discussions on a series of issues, agreement on which is needed for the benefit of all Cypriots, will be undertaken at the technical level.``

Asked whether UN Secretary General`s Special Representative in Cyprus Michael Moller during their last meeting, provided answers as to whether the Turkish Cypriot side has given any explanations for its delay in answering if it accepts what was agreed in Paris, President Papadopoulos said we hope that finally the start of the preparations for talks will become possible and that the discussion of the issues as set out in my meeting in Paris with the UN Secretary-General will take place.

President Papadopoulos said the government has adopted a self-imposed restriction on statements concerning efforts to resume the dialogue for a Cyprus settlement.

However, he added that despite Ankaras pursuits or expediencies, our aim and goal has always been to properly prepare a new round of negotiations for a Cyprus settlement.

On his visit to India, President Papadopoulos described it as a way to pay tribute and thanks to India for its firm and consistent stance on Cyprus.

He said the great country of India is distinguished for its firm support towards the people of Cyprus and the positions which we support to justify our struggle adding that during his contacts there, the Cyprus problem, bilateral relations and other political issues will be raised.

President Papadopoulos also praised India for its impressive progress as he said in the field of high technology noting that Cyprus and India have signed a memorandum of understanding in an effort to benefit from the technology and know-how India has in this field since it is considered one of the leading countries in the world in high technology.

During his visit to India, President Papadopoulos will hold official talks with his Indian counterpart, Indian Prime Minster Dr. Manmohan Singh, and other members of the Cabinet, with whom he will discuss the Cyprus problem, ways to enhance Cyprus-India relations, the United Nations reform, as well as other international matters.

He will also address the business symposium organised by the chambers of commerce of New Delhi, and will be the key speaker at a conference by the Indian World Affairs Council.

President Papadopoulos will also visit the Mumbai Stock Exchange and Indian industries of high technology in Bangalore.

President Papadopoulos will be accompanied by Minister of Foreign Affairs George Iacovou, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Tourism and Government Spokesman George Lillikas, Director General of the Ministry of Finance Christos Patsalides and the President`s special advisor Chrysis Pantelides.

Moreover, a delegation of Cypriot businessmen and academics will accompany the President during his visit.

[04] SPOKESMAN FORBES

Lillikas made the statement when invited to comment on the report, noting it is an anti-Cypriot article serving specific expediencies`` adding ``the Republic of Cyprus implements with full austerity all the procedures required by the EU and international law``.

``There are relevant reports by the USA administration which has sent envoys in Cyprus but also by the EU``, he added.

[05] GREEK ARMY CHIEF NATIONAL GUARD

Hinofotis, who is paying an official visit to Cyprus, visited the National Guard General Staff, where he held separate meetings with Cyprus` Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Constantinos Bisbikas and Cypriot Defence Minister Kyriakos Mavronicolas, and was briefed on the state of the National Guard.

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