Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 06-11-22

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

CONTENTS

[01] FINLAND AMBASSADOR INITIATIVE

[02] CYPRUS CONDEMNATION LEBANON

[01] FINLAND AMBASSADOR INITIATIVE

In statements, Finnish Ambassador to Cyprus Risto Pipponen warned that a possible failure of the EU presidency`s initiative, would mean that the parties will find themselves in a lose - lose situation.

``We have continuous contacts with the parties with the hope that all of them will understand that this proposal we prepared is benefiting everyone. It is clearly a win - win situation and not accepting it might mean that instead of being in a win - win situation the parties would find themselves in a lose - lose situation``, he stressed.

The Ambassador said that there are still ten days left for the initiative to bear fruit, adding that the EU Council in December would not want Turkey`s issue to dominate the meeting.

``We hope to have good outcome. We continue the work on the issue. We still have about ten days to go``, he said.

Asked whether the EU presidency has modified its proposals, Pipponen said that the proposals remain the same, but did not want to elaborate more into the issue.

``Our proposal remains the same as it is. Of course there are certain details we have to discuss with the parties. The main elements remain the same``, he said.

Invited to comment on statements made by Turkish politicians that Ankara would not open its ports and airports to Cyprus, Pipponen said that ``this is not a positive statement``, adding ``we try to get the parties find a compromise and if not, then that would be reflected in the European Commission`s recommendations and certainly in the decision taken by the member states in the European Council``.

``We don`t know``, he added, ``what Turkey will do, but I think the message was very clear``.

``We have ten days to go with the proposal. The Commission needs some days to prepare its recommendation and after the recommendations are there the Council will discuss it and the decision will be taken at the General Affairs Council and External Relations Council on December 11th``, he concluded.

EU member state Cyprus, is divided since 1974 when Turkish troops invaded and occupied its northern third.

Turkey, a country aspiring to enter the EU refuses to recognise the Republic of Cyprus and to open its ports and airports to Cyprus (Customs Union Protocol), a precondition for EU membership.

The Finnish EU presidency has given Turkey time until 6 December 2006 to implement the Customs Union Protocol or face consequences.

[02] CYPRUS CONDEMNATION LEBANON

An official press release issued says ``the heinous murder was an attack against democracy and stability in Lebanon, with the aim to undermine the already fragile political situation in the neighbouring country``.

``The Government of the Republic of Cyprus appeals to the people of Lebanon, of all religious convictions and political affiliations, to stand united in these critical moments``, it notes.

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