Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 06-11-13

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

CONTENTS

[01] SPOKESMAN TURKEY EU

[02] REGIONAL SEMINAR AVIATION SAFETY

[01] SPOKESMAN TURKEY EU

He said that Turkey cannot criticize any EU member state for any suggestion for measures to be taken against it, since Ankara is provoking these measures with its insistence not to comply with European indications and fulfill its European commitments, noting that its unimpeded EU course depends entirely on her.

Invited to comment on statements by German Foreign Minister Dr Frank-Walter Steinmeier, Pashiadis said the German official had said there are many EU countries which would have liked the suspension of Turkeys EU accession negotiations.

``If they believe that there are some countries which take cover behind Turkeys negative stance towards the Republic of Cyprus to propose a suspension of the negotiations between Turkey and the EU, then it is an added reason for Ankara to fulfill its obligations and remove any such intention, he added.

Pashiardis noted Turkey cannot and is not justified in accusing others when it is solely to be blamed.

Invited to comment on the US stance on Turkey, the Spokesman said that the American position for a smooth and unimpeded EU course for Turkey is known.

However, it is up to Turkey to assure this course. Surely it cannot have a smooth and unimpeded course if Turkey continues to contempt its European obligations and commitments, and surely it cannot be encouraged to insist on its provocative refusal, he added.

The spokesman said that the Republic of Cyprus, as an equal EU member state, is unwilling to retreat from its logical positions just because Turkey is adamant in its irrational demands. ``We did not ask to take, therefore why should we give?, Pashiardis concluded.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkish troops invaded and occupied its northern third.

Turkey, a country aspiring to become an EU member state, does not recognise the Republic of Cyprus and refuses to implement the EU-Turkey Customs Union Protocol, by opening its ports and airports to Cypriot vessels and aircraft.

[02] REGIONAL SEMINAR AVIATION SAFETY

The Regional Aviation Safety Seminar entitled Aviation safety: existing policies and the need for regional cooperation - A Regional Seminar for the Middle-East, North African and Gulf Regions is being held by the Department of Civil Aviation of Cyprus in Nicosia from 16-17 November, in cooperation with EMAC (European-Middle East ATM Coordination) and with the support of EUROCONTROL (the European Organisation for the Safety of Air Navigation), ICAO (the International Civil Aviation Organization), EC (the European Commission) and other international organizations which deal with civil aviation issues.

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