Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 08-04-14

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

CONTENTS

[01] CZECH PRIME MINISTER - CYPRUS QUESTION

[02] PRESIDENT CHRISTOFIAS - CYPRUS QUESTION

[01] CZECH PRIME MINISTER - CYPRUS QUESTION

Speaking at a press conference, through an interpreter, after a meeting with the Cypriot President Demetris Christofias, Topolanek who is on an official visit to Cyprus, said that his country will hold the EU Presidency the first six months of 2009 and will assist in any possible way the Cyprus efforts.

In his statements President Christofias noted the traditionally friendly bilateral relations, adding that they discussed the Cyprus issue and steps the Czech Republic could take to assist these efforts.

He thanked the Czech Premier for his assistance and for his readiness in 2009 to organise something very specific and helpful in efforts to promote a Cyprus solution.

Topolanek referred to the EU Czech Presidency priorities and President Christofias said that Cyprus, being a divided country since the 1974 Turkish invasion, is facing problems on several aspects relating to the implementation of EU decisions. Cyprus, he added, will contribute to the success of the EU Czech Presidency.

The Cypriot President noted that May 2009 marks 20 years since the first meeting in Prague between Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot politicians, which opened the way for more contact.

Noting that he has lived in Cyprus, the Czech Premier said that only a few EU leaders know the Cyprus problem to such a depth and welcomed recent initiatives to open the way for progress.

Responding to questions, he said his government insists that Turkey, a candidate country engaged in membership talks with the EU, must implement the additional Protocol of the Ankara Agreement, relating to its obligations towards Cyprus.

He concluded by saying that Cyprus problem will be solved before Turkeys EU accession.

[02] PRESIDENT CHRISTOFIAS - CYPRUS QUESTION

Speaking during a luncheon hosted in honour of Prime Minister of the Czech Republic Mirek Topolanek, President Christofias said he had begun an effort with Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat to prepare direct talks properly, adding that although there are difficulties and messages that call for a cautious approach, the Greek Cypriot side is never pessimistic.

President Christofias said his talks with Topolanek earlier today ``reaffirmed the high level of our bilateral relations`` and ``underlined the common wish for further expanding them.``

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