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Tuesday, 26 November 2024
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Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 08-11-17Cyprus News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Cyprus News Agency at <http://www.cyna.org.cy>CONTENTS
[01] PRESIDENT CHRISTOFIAS - DIRECT TALKSEnd of this year or beginning of 2009 the leaders of the two communities will start discussing the property issue at the ongoing direct negotiations, President Demetris Christofias said after todays meeting with the Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat. This issue is not easy, he pointed out, although the principles on which the two leaders should rely on are in place, as he noted. I am sure that we will face many issues that call for a lot of discussion, he added.Responding to questions at the Presidential Palace, President Christofias said that the meeting went fairly well and there was a friendly exchange of views. Asked why there was no discussion on deadlock resolving mechanism today, he said we discussed other issues. We had agreed to consult more experts on issues relating to the judiciary. At todays meeting they discussed about independent offices, he added. The two sides put forward their positions on the issue, outlined the positions they agree on and agreed to continue the discussion at the working groups, comprising experts from both communities. Beyond that there are issues to be discussed at the level of the leaders, he explained. President Christofias said that there are still issues to be discussed on this chapter. He said issues already placed in the basket of differences can be retrieved for further discussion. Christofias said that weekly meetings have been arranged for the next 3 to 4 weeks. The next meeting is planned for Tuesday, 25 November. Christofias and Talat have been engaged in talks since early September, with a view to finding a negotiated settlement that will reunite Cyprus, divided since the 1974 Turkish invasion. [02] DOWNER - NEGOTIATIONSIndependent offices, such as the office of the Federal Attorney General and the office of the Federal Auditor General as well as further discussion about the Supreme Court, were on the agenda of today`s meeting between Cyprus President Demetris Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat, in the framework of direct negotiations, held since early September under UN auspices. UN Secretary General`s Special Adviser on Cyprus Alexander Downer, speaking to reporters after the meeting in the UN controlled Nicosia airport, said that the meeting was held in a convivial and very positive atmosphere.Asked if there was any discussions about deadlock resolving mechanisms, Downer said that the two leaders discussed exclusively the independent institutions, the offices of the Attorney General and the Auditor General and also some discussions about the Supreme Court. As for the agenda of the next meeting, he mentioned that they have to see about it. ``But I think there will be some discussion next time about the deadlock resolving mechanisms``. The next meeting of the two leaders is going to be on Tuesday, November 25. Christofias and Talat have been meeting since early September to find a mutually agreed solution that will reunite Cyprus, divided since the 1974 Turkish invasion. [03] FM - DIRECT TALKS - TURKEYThe government does not anticipate any direct fallout on Cyprus, resulting from Turkeys membership of the UN Security Council, but believes that there is no room for complacency on the matter.We shall make every effort to ensure that Turkey will not try to exploit this post and influence adversely developments in the question of Cyprus or promote the illegal Turkish Cypriot regime, in occupied Cyprus, Foreign Minister Markos Kyprianou said here today. The Minister explained that the Cyprus problem is handled mainly by the five permanent members of the UN Security Council, resolutions are adopted by majority vote and unanimously and usually all five permanent members agree on them.Earlier today, speaking before the House Finance Committee where he presented the Ministrys 2009 budget, he stated that the Ministry in order to contribute to efforts for a just, viable and functional solution of the Cyprus problem will deal extensively during 2009 with Turkeys accession process, issues related to the presence of UNFICYP in Cyprus, the work of the Organisation of the Islamic Conference (OIC) and developments in the Council of Europe. In particular, he said that in order to confront Turkish efforts to upgrade the status of the illegal Turkish Cypriot regime within the OIC, the Foreign Ministry intends to strengthen relations between with the Arab countries and OIC member states. He said that one of the most important objectives of the Ministry is the continuous and active involvement in European affairs, and underlined that having in mind the traditionally good relations of Cyprus with Middle Eastern countries, Russia and the Non-Aligned Movement member states, Cyprus will attempt to play an important role in relations between these countries with the EU. During 2009 the Ministry will intensify preparations for the Cypriot EU Presidency during the second semester of 2012, he said. He noted that new diplomatic missions will be established during 2009, including the establishment by the end of 2009 of a Representation Office in Ramallah in cooperation with the Maltese government. Kyprianou said the Ministry is working on a plan for the joint establishment of diplomatic missions with other EU member states. [04] MINISTER OF COMMERCE - TOURISMMinister of Commerce, Industry and Tourism Antonis Paschalides believes that 2009 will be a very difficult year for tourism in Cyprus. Speaking during a press conference, Paschalides said next year there will be an increase of 1% in seats on flights from the United Kingdom to Cyprus compared with 2008. The Minister said that if the necessary measures are taken, then any negative effects will be limited, noting that 12 million euro have been earmarked for the Cyprus Tourism Organisation in addition to previous funds allocated to the tourist industry.He said procedures for issuing entry visas to persons from third countries will be simplified and a number of consular offices will open in various countries to help tourists come to Cyprus from countries such as Russia, China, India and the Arab countries. Referring to the visit of Cyprus President Demetris Christofias to Russia, he said the joint action programme which will be signed between Cyprus and Russia providing for cooperation in the tourist industry is important. He added there will also be cooperation between the Cyprus Tourism Organization and Cyprus Airways to boost tourism. Replying to questions, he said the World Trade Organisation estimates that tourism will be reduced by 9% worldwide. On plans to upgrade the tourist product, he said the tourist product will be enhanced with more effort on culture and moves to attract tourism from the medical profession for seminars in Cyprus, the sports professionals for training on the island and other sectors including education and religion. Cyprus News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |
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