Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 06-07-15

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

CONTENTS

[01] CYPRUS PRESIDENT - MILITARY COUP ANNIVERSARY

[02] CYPRUS HOUSE - COUP AND INVASION ANNIVERSARIES

[03] OLYMPIC AIRWAYS - LARNACA - PASSENGERS - LEBANON

[01] CYPRUS PRESIDENT - MILITARY COUP ANNIVERSARY

Cyprus remembers and pays tribute today to those killed defending the Republic during the 1974 military coup against the democratically elected President of Cyprus, Archbishop Makarios.

A church service for those killed during the coup was held this morning at Saints Constantinos and Eleni Church in Nicosia, in the presence of President Papadopoulos.

«This day, as well as every day, that reminds us of the tragedy that occurred during the military coup, should be a day of remembrance for those who sacrificed their lives for the protection of democracy, freedom and legality in our homeland, the President said in statements after the service.

Present at the church service were among others House President Demetris Christofias, members of the Council of Ministers, Ambassador of Greece to Cyprus Demetris Rallis, Attorney General Petros Clerides, leaders or representatives of political parties, the leadership of the National Guard and the Police, other officials and relatives of those killed.

Addressing the ceremony, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Tourism Antonis Michaelides noted that if Turkey continues to insist on divisive solutions, then the gap will continue to exist.

We seek a bizonal, bicommunal solution, a viable and functional solution that would secure the fundamental human rights and freedoms for all the people of Cyprus, a state in which the people will live in security,`` the Minister said.

He added that the Greek Cypriot side will never negotiate under the fear of being accused of not wanting a solution.

We will also never fear to negotiate when the circumstances are favorable. Negotiations will take place after good preparation for a comprehensive, just and mutually accepted solution, he concluded.

After the church service President Papadopoulos and other officials laid wreaths at the tombs of those killed defending the Republic.

The military coup against the first President of the Republic, Archbishop Makarios, engineered by the military junta then ruling Greece, was followed five days later by the Turkish invasion, which resulted in the illegal occupation of 37 percent of the Republic`s territory and its de facto division.

[02] CYPRUS HOUSE - COUP AND INVASION ANNIVERSARIES

The Parliaments extraordinary plenary session was attended by Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos, Cabinet members, Greek MP and PASOK Socialist Party member Christos Papoutsis, other government officials, and representatives from the military and religious leadership.

The House observed a one-minute silence in memory of those killed defending democracy and the country.

``The Parliament and the people of Cyprus pay tribute and respect to those who sacrificed their lives in the struggle to defend democracy, freedom and legality of our homeland, President Papadopoulos said after the plenarys session.

[03] OLYMPIC AIRWAYS - LARNACA - PASSENGERS - LEBANON

An official press release said that 27 persons, among whom 22 Cypriots disembarked from the aircraft, which then continued its flight to Greece to carry the rest 60 passengers on board.

Cypriot Foreign Ministry said it followed the situation in Beirut closely.

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