Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 08-10-18

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

CONTENTS

[01] SPOKESMAN - CYPRUS PROBLEM - DISCUSSIONS

[02] GOVERNMENT - OBAMA - STATEMENT - SATISFACTION

[03] CYPRUS - ECONOMY - FINANCIAL CRISIS

[04] COMMONWEALTH YOUTH GAMES - CYPRUS - MEDAL

[01] SPOKESMAN - CYPRUS PROBLEM - DISCUSSIONS

He also pointed out that what is important, given the fact that negotiations to solve Cyprus problem are underway is to focus on the substance and to work on the basis of those agreed.

Stefanou was invited to comment on Turkish Cypriot leader Spokesmans Hacan Ercakica remark that President Christofias should stop calling Talat as ``comrade``, to stop being romantic as ``Talat is not Talat of the 1980s``.

``If the Cyprus problem has not been solved because of this, then we shall consider it,`` Stefanou said, stressing that it is very important to maintain public discussions at a low level and that communities should maintain this discussions to the background of the ongoing negotiations.

``At this hour, when negotiations for a solution to a problem which has been unresolved for 34 years are taking place what is important is to focus on the substance and to work on the basis of those agreed, that is, a solution of bizonal, bicommunal federation with a single sovereignty, for a federation with political equality, as defined in the UN resolutions.``

``We will continue to be dedicated to this cause. The Cyprus problem will be solved on the negotiating table,`` the Spokesman added.

Stefanou also recalled that ``the historic relations between President Christofias and Mr Talat and the relations and cooperation between their leftwing parties, AKEL and CTP, inevitably play a role and can play a role in the creation and continuation of the necessary climate which would support the negotiations and the efforts for a solution and an understanding.``

``Public statements are not the essence. The essence is the negotiations and what it submitted to the negotiating table and whether these proposals are supported by and they offer support to the agreement we made on the basis of the Cyprus solution, whether this proposals serve and support the UN resolutions and the principles of the international and European law,`` the Spokesman added.

Replying to a question whether statements made by the Turkish Cypriot side are provocative, Stefanou said ``from the minute we enter negotiations and expect to have progress and to move forward with this process, which will have its ups and downs, calmness and patience is the best advisor in the efforts for a solution to the Cyprus problem.``

Invited to comment on Cemil Cicek, Turkish Deputy Prime Minister remakrs that ``two states and two peoples`` exist in Cyprus, Stefanou said that the Greek Cypriot side remains calm and monitors carefully what is being said and what happens.

``Our views are clear and realistic because they are based on issues agreed between the two communities and on issues endorsed by the international community,`` he added.

Christofias and Talat began talks in September this year, with a view to find a negotiated settlement that will reunite Cyprus, which has been divided since the 1974 Turkish invasion. So far, they had four meetings focusing on substantive aspects of the Cyprus problem and they are scheduled to meet again on October 22.

[02] GOVERNMENT - OBAMA - STATEMENT - SATISFACTION

The government expressed satisfaction over statements made by US Democratic Presidential candidate Barack Obama, however, the Cyprus issue cannot be solved with mere statements but with specific deeds.

Asked if the government is satisfied with Obamas statements, Government Spokesman Stephanos Stephanou told reporters that statements contain certain elements which can be true, that is, in Cyprus there is occupation, and a solution should be based on a bizonal, bicommunal federation.

[03] CYPRUS - ECONOMY - FINANCIAL CRISIS

``Such a move would send wrong messages. We have a very robust banking system and the only danger it faces comes from too much literature, many ideas and proposals as those made yesterday,`` Stavrakis noted.

Recalling that Cypriot commercial Banks and cooperative Banks were not substantially exposed to ``toxic`` investment products, Stavrakis said that Cypriot banks to a large extent depend on deposits from Cypriot households and not on interbank market and have high indices of capital adequacy and very satisfactory operational profitability.

Stavrakis noted that in the unlikely possibility of a problem, the Government would fully support commercial and cooperative banks. ``It is not right from a fiscal point of view to create special funds to deal with crises which will not arise,`` he added.

According to the Finance Minister, the right response to the financial crisis is the continuation of the policy for fiscal surplus and the reduction of public debt, which provides with the capability to deal with the crisis in the banking system if it arises and to deal with problems in any sector of the economy affected by the global financial turmoil.

[04] COMMONWEALTH YOUTH GAMES - CYPRUS - MEDAL

Kazakos secured the silver medal with a total of 134 hits out of 150.

According to a press release, issued today by the Cyprus Olympic Committee, Kazakos went through to the skeet final with 111/125, winning the silver medal with 134/150 (111+23/25).

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