Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 08-05-28

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

CONTENTS

[01] IACOVOU - GREEK FM

[02] EU - TURKEY - CYPRUS PROBLEM

[01] IACOVOU - GREEK FM

In statements after the meeting, in Athens, Iacovou said he briefed Bakoyianni on the latest developments in the ongoing process of discussions, which began following an agreement in March this year, between Cyprus President Demetris Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat.

He added that the Greek Foreign Ministry is briefed almost every day on developments through diplomatic channels.

``We believe that a face to face meeting would be useful and give us the chance for an exchange of views,`` Iacovou said, adding that his discussion with Bakoyianni was very productive.

Iacovou said that he will also brief in detail other Greek Foreign Ministry officials. Bakoyianni will visit Cyprus on June 13 for a further exchange of views.

Replying to questions about the prospect of direct talks between Christofias and Talat, Iacovou referred journalists to the joint communique issued after their latest meeting on Friday 23 May.

Iacovou said that there will be an evaluation of the work of the seven technical committees (bicommunal teams of experts) by himself and Turkish Cypriot Ozdil Nami and the two leaders will meet again at the end of June to evaluate the work of the six working groups, set to prepare direct talks between the leaders.

He said that progress varies at each working group, underlining that no general conclusion can be drawn as there is some progress in some groups and significant progress in others.

``Our political will is to try to have positive results at the level of the working groups,`` which deal with substantive issues such as property, territory and security, he added.

Iacovou said there has been some progress in issues considered as difficult in the past, such as the economy, relations with the EU, constitutional issues and issues of administration, while on other issues no significant progress has been made.

The teams of experts from the Greek Cypriot and the Turkish Cypriot community have been meeting for the past 4-5 weeks to help pave the way for direct negotiations, with a view to reach a settlement that will reunite the country, divided since the 1974 Turkish invasion.

[02] EU - TURKEY - CYPRUS PROBLEM

This is stated in the text of the EU joint position presented by the EU Slovenian Presidency to Turkish Foreign Minister Ali Babacan, during the EU-Turkey Association Council.

The EU recalled its conclusions of 11 December 2006, and noted with regret that Turkey has not fulfilled its obligation of full non-discriminatory implementation of the Additional Protocol to the Association Agreement and has not made progress towards normalisation of relations with the Republic of Cyprus.

The Council said it will continue to follow up and review progress made on the issues covered by the declaration of the European Community and its Member States of 21 September 2005 in accordance with its conclusions of 11 December 2006. Swift progress on these issues is expected.

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