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Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 06-11-23Cyprus News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Cyprus News Agency at <http://www.cyna.org.cy>CONTENTS
[01] ANNAN FUNDS SPECIAL ADVISERUN Secretary General Kofi Annan, in a report in the Programme budget for the biennium 2006-2007 has asked for 639,500 US dollars to cover the cost of the appointment of a Special Adviser in 2007 for Cyprus, depending on developments in the island, to carry out the SGs good offices mission with a view to achieving a comprehensive settlement to the Cyprus problem.In his report, the Secretary General notes that the estimated requirements amounting to $571,300 net ($639,500 gross) would provide for salaries and common staff costs for the Special Adviser and his/her support staff ($334,200), consultancy services on core issues that need to be addressed as part of the comprehensive settlement ($101,800), official travel ($124,700), communications ($6,600) and other supplies ($4,000). Of that amount, $375,000 would be met from the estimated unencumbered balance against the appropriation for 2006, Annan notes. Thus the overall requirements for the Special Adviser for 2007, after taking into account the unencumbered balance, amount to $196,300 net ($264,500 gross). In the report, Annan stresses that depending on the developments on the island, in 2007, the Secretary-General may decide to appoint a Special Adviser to carry out his good offices mission with a view to achieving a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem. Further to the technical committees, when the negotiations begin on substantive issues the aim will be to agree on eight issues, the Secretary General notes. These are, consultations with interested parties, convening and servicing of technical committees and expert working groups, advisory services on procedural, legal and technical aspects of substantive issues, working papers and proposals serving as the basis for a comprehensive settlement and reports to and briefings of the Security Council. Annan stresses in the report hat it is expected that the objective will be achieved, provided that there is political will and commitment on the part of both sides to reach a comprehensive solution, as well as continuing support from the international community. [02] ARMENIA CYPRUSThe government of Armenia wants a speedy solution to the Cyprus problem, according to the wishes of the people of Cyprus and its leadership, said here Thursday President of Armenia Robert Kocharian, who is on a state visit to the island.He was speaking after official talks with Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos at the Presidential Palace, with the participation of delegations from the two countries. In his statements, Kocharian pointed out that Turkeys EU course could affect Armenias relations with Turkey, stressing that his country is very much interested in Turkeys EU accession course. On his part, President Papadopoulos said Turkey should implement its European obligations, stressing that veto belongs to those who do not want sanctions to be taken against Turkey. Before the two presidents statements, an agreement between the Government of the Republic of Cyprus and the Government of the Republic of Armenia on co-operation in combating organized and other forms of crime was signed by Cyprus` Minister of Justice and Public Order Sophocles Sophocleous and Minister of Justice of Armenia Davit Harutyunyan. [03] CYPRUS UN - MONASTERYCyprus has strongly protested to the UN, the intention of the Turkish government to finance a project that aims to transform the annexes of the historic Apostolos Andreas Monastery into a 120-room hotel.In a letter dated 14 November 2006 addressed to the Secretary-General, Permanent Representative of Cyprus to the United Nations Andreas Mavroyiannis says such developments aimed at destroying the character of a highly important religious and cultural landmark of Cyprus. In his letter, Mavroyiannis refers to the report in the Turkish Cypriot newspaper Kibris of 30 October 2006, which said the so-called Chairman of the Aid Mission of the purported Embassy in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus, has announced that Turkey is ready to provide 1.5 million new Turkish lira in financial aid for the restoration and reorganization of the surroundings and annexes of the Apostolos Andreas Monastery, in order to promote religious tourism in the area. The Government of the Republic of Cyprus strongly protests such developments aimed at destroying the character of a highly important religious and cultural landmark of Cyprus, the Cypriot Representative said. Cyprus News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |