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Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 07-11-06Cyprus News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Cyprus News Agency at <http://www.cyna.org.cy>CONTENTS
[01] CYPRUS - COMMISSION - FOOT AND MOUTHThe European Commission has decided to prohibit the export of Cypriot meat and dairy products, following confirmation of an outbreak of foot and mouth disease at two farms. The Commission also decided to prohibit the movement of animals in the Republic of CyprusAgriculture, Natural Resources and the Environment Minister Fotis Fotiou told the House Agriculture Committee that the EU has also banned the slaughter of animals. Speaking during a Committee meeting which examined the situation as this evolved around the foot and mouth outbreak on the island, Fotiou announced a plan to support animal breeders. The plan is expected to be tabled before the Cabinet on Wednesday for approval. On Tuesday the Commission will discuss the situation in Cyprus and is sending to the island a high ranking official to see the situation on the ground. Health and Consumer Protection Directorate General official Alberto Ladomada arrives here Tuesday. [02] GREEK FM - CYPRUS - TURKEYThe Greek Foreign Minister has described the occupation of part of Cyprus as a sad paradox, in that a candidate country, Turkey, occupies territory of an EU member state, Cyprus. Addressing an audience at the London School of Economics, Dora Bakoyianni called on Turkey to comply fully with EU rules and regulation, if it wants to join the Union, and stressed that partition in Cyprus is not an option, as far as prospects for a political settlement are concerned.The Cyprus issue is naturally linked to our relations with Turkey: yet it retains its strong independent character. At this moment, we are dealing with a sad paradox. A member state of the European Union is occupied by a candidate for accession, she said, and reiterated the Greek governments steadfast commitment to reaching a just and viable solution for the reunification of Cyprus. She said that the principles that must guide us in seeking a fair, functional and viable solution are clear: consideration of the work done by the UN; international law and all the relevant Security Council resolutions. Bakoyianni added that Greece cannot overlook the fact that Cyprus is now a full member of the EU and that both Greek and Turkish Cypriots must function within the European framework. On Turkeys European aspirations, she stressed that full compliance with the acquis communautaiare should lead to full membership, noting that Ankara`s European perspective is conducive to regional peace, stability and prosperity. [03] NICOSIA MUNICIPALITY - LEDRA STREETNicosia Municipality is ready to deal with the opening of one of its main commercial stressts, Ledra Street, which borders the northern Turkish occupied part of the Cyprus, adding that plans to support the infrastructure of buildings along the street are already in place. Speaking at a press conference where she presented the work of the municipality for 2007 as well as its plans for 2008, Nicosia Mayor Eleni Mavrou said that technical preparations have already been prepared should Ledra Street open. Ledra Street, she added, can open in a matter of five days.She said infrastructure projects in the area will be financed by the EU, and the safety of pedestrians crossing from and into the northern Turkish occupied areas will not be put at risk. A total of 275 derelict buildings, some of which pose an immediate danger to pedestrians, need to be restored. The Mayor said that the loan which the Municipality is anticipating to get for the restoration of buildings along the Green Line will be about three million pounds. The National Guard, the island`s army, removed on March 8, 2007, the wall in Ledra Street, which was erected soon after the 1974 Turkish invasion. The government of Cyprus clarified that the demolition of the wall does not mean the opening of the crossing point to and from the Turkish occupied areas, unless security issues are addressed. In a statement, the members of the Security Council urged both communities to work with the UN to open Ledra Street crossing. [04] EURO MPs - TURKISH CYPRIOTSThe European Parliament High-level Contact Group for Relations with the Turkish-Cypriot community in the Northern part of the island (HLCG) is visiting Cyprus from 7-10 November 2007.A press release issued by the Group said that it has a varied programme which on 8 November 2007 includes a visit to the Ledra Street cease-fire-line posts and a photo-opportunity there together with the representatives of the two communities of Nicosia Mrs Mavrou and Mr Bulutogullari. This photo opportunity will take place first on the Greek-Cypriot side and then on the Turkish-Cypriot side of the cease-fire line. In addition the HLCG will hold a press conference at Ledra Palace on Friday. Cyprus News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |