Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 06-08-06

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

CONTENTS

[01] FAMAGUSTA - EVENT

[02] ACTING PRESIDENT - FAMAGUSTA

[03] CYPRUS - LEBANON - PEACE FORCE

[01] FAMAGUSTA - EVENT

The event was organized by the Famagusta Municipality. Present at the event were the Acting President of the Republic and House President Demetris Christofias, political party leaders, deputies, thousands of refugees from Famagusta, an inter-parliamentary delegation from Greece, as well as British MP and honorary citizen on Famagusta Eddie O`Hara and British former MP and honourary citizen of Famagusta Tom Cox.

Chistofias, who was the main speaker at the event, reiterated the will for a solution of the Cyprus problem the soonest possible.

He added that the return of the fenced-off city of Famagusta will reinforce the faith and optimism for the final solution. It also could prove into deed that is possible for the hormonal living together and cooperation of the two communities for their own benefit.

It could prove that really the Turkish side wishes the solution and her declarations for a solution to the Cyprus issue are not tactic movements but an expression of true intention and wish, he underlined.

Famagusta Mayor Yiannakis Skordis said that we demand to put an end to the injustice against the Cypriot people and to revive Famagusta, which remains silent for 32 years.

``The implementation of the proposal for the return of Famagusta, will benefit all, not only its legitimate owners the G/C but the T/C as well as Turkey``, he added.

Greek MP, member of New Democracy party Christiana Kalogirou in a short speach conveyed the greetings of Greek Premier and reaffirmed that the first priority of Greece is a just solution of the Cyprus problem.

British MP Andrew Love said the meeting of Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos with Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat is the first positive step after the referenda, adding that Britain should take over her responsibilities for Cyprus.

He stressed the need for the termination of division of the island and the implementation of human rights through a just solution to the Cyprus issue.

He added that a substantive measure of building confidence between the two communities is the return of the fenced-off city of Famagusta to its legitimate citizens.

A petition addressed to the United Nations Secretary General, to the European Commission and to the President of Finland who is chairing the EU this semester, was unanimously approved during the ceremony.

By the petition, the Assembly demanded strengthening and support to the efforts exerted for the recommencement of a new procedure leading eventually to the achievement of a just and viable solution to the long standing Cyprus problem.

It also demanded the withdrawal of Turkish military and illegal settlers, the termination of the illegal exploitation of Greek-Cypriot properties in the occupied areas and the destruction of our cultural and religious heritage.

It called for intensified efforts for ascertaining the fate of missing persons and for ensuring the basic human rights fore the Greek-Cypriots enclaved in the occupied areas.

Finally it demanded promoting the Republic of Cyprus proposal for the co-management of the Ammochostos Port, in conjuction with the return of the city to its legal inhabitants.

[02] ACTING PRESIDENT - FAMAGUSTA

Speaking after the meeting, Famagusta Mayor Yiannakis Skordis said the discussion of the issue of Famagusta, withing the framework of the technical committees "can offer a lot to issues of substance and day to day issues``.

[03] CYPRUS - LEBANON - PEACE FORCE

To a comment that Turkey has expressed its willingness to lead this peacekeeping force, Pashiardis said Turkey had been invited to the Rome meeting on the Middle East.

``I do not know the exact reasons for which Turkey was invited and participated in this meeting, nor of course do I know the reasons why some people want the involvement of Turkey in efforts to solve the escalating crisis in Lebanon and peace in the region. I can only assume that the sole serious reason is Turkey`s unquestionable and recognised specialisation in issues of invasion, victimisation of refugees and ways of creating refugees,`` he said

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