Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 06-10-31

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

CONTENTS

[01] FINNISH INITIATIVE - FAMAGUSTA

[02] PRESIDENT - CROATIA

[01] FINNISH INITIATIVE - FAMAGUSTA

The Spokesman said efforts were focusing on the success of the Finnish presidency`s effort and noted that Turkey had so far not given any positive indications but several negative ones.

He said it was a fact that the Finnish presidency had expressed some ideas and thoughts a few days ago about talks in Helsinki, noting that ``if finally proximity talks are called in Helsinki, Turkey will surely be invited, as an occupying force, and as having the first and last word on the return of Varosha.``

Replying to questions, Pashiardis said that if the Republic of Cyprus was invited under the precondition he mentioned, then ``our answer will be positive.``

Asked what the Finns had actually said, Pashiardis said ``there are some thoughts and ideas of the Finnish presidency for representatives of the Turkish government and the Cypriot government to participate in proximity talks in an effort to successfully promote the Finnish initiative.``

``There is no concrete proposal before us on the issue,`` he pointed out.

Invited to say what level the talks would be held on, Pashiardis said it would most probably be between the Ministers of Foreign Affairs.

Replying to questions, Pashiardis clarified that ``we will be invited as an EU member state`` and thus if Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat will be present either just to state his presence or as a member of the Turkish delegation, ``this is of no concern to us.``

``We will not discuss the issue of the return of Varosha with Mr. Talat. It is a matter that does not concern him,`` Pashiardis added.

Earlier on Tuesday, Minister of Foreign Affairs George Lillikas said that the Republic of Cyprus had not received an invitation and neither had Greece for a meeting regarding the Finnish proposal, noting that the solution of the Cyprus problem was not being discussed at this moment.

He said that the key to the whole issue was Varosha and the return of the people to their homes, adding that the Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots do not participate in any talks because the issue solely concerns the Republic of Cyprus and the EU.

[02] PRESIDENT - CROATIA

According to an official press release, President Papadopoulos will hold meetings with Mesic, Prime Minister Ivo Sanader and the Croatian House Speaker.

He will visit Zagreb and Split where he will meet with the Mayors of the two towns. He will address the Croatian Chamber of Commerce and Industry which will convene in a special session.

After concluding his visit to Croatia, President Papadopoulos will be in Rome on Thursday on an official visit to the Vatican.

The President will be accompanied by Undersecretary Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Minister of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment Photis Photiou, the Ambassador of the Republic in Croatia Cornilios Corniliou and other officials.

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