Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 08-11-26

Cyprus News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

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

CONTENTS

[01] GREEK - CYPRIOT PRESIDENTS - ATHENS TALKS

[02] FORMER MINISTERS - ECONOMIC CRISIS

[03] HOUSE PRESIDENT - SPEAKERS OF SMALL STATES MEETING

[04] CYPRIOT MPs - FRENCH NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

[01] GREEK - CYPRIOT PRESIDENTS - ATHENS TALKS

The message was communicated by Cyprus President Demetris Christofias, from Greece where he is on an official visit. The President also stressed that he will not relinquish the sovereign rights of the Republic of Cyprus, under any circumstances.

The Presidents comments came in the wake of adverse reaction from the Turkish Cypriots to a joint declaration Nicosia and Moscow signed last week and after moves by Turkey to raise obstacles in the search for possible oil reserves in Cyprus exclusive economic zone.

In statements after a meeting today in Athens with the President of the Hellenic Republic Karolos Papoulias, Christofias reiterated the firm position of the Republic of Cyprus for a solution of the Cyprus problem based on a bizonal, bicommunal, federation with political equality of the two communities, as defined by UN Security Council resolutions.

For a solution, he pointed out, which will lead to a single state, a federal one, with a single sovereignty, a single citizenship and a single international l personality.

Christofias made it clear that we talk about the Republic of Cyprus evolving into a federation, noting that Turkeys and the Turkish Cypriots opinion is different.

They speak about two states which will form a new partnership. That position is rejected, he pointed out.

He added that two regions will be formed, if and when the leaders of the two communities, as provided by the United Nations resolutions, agree to a solution of a bicommunal, bizonal federation.

He continued saying then these two regions will constitute the component parts of the federation, after a solution is signed by the leaders of the communities the Greek Cypriot and the Turkish Cypriot community, the President underlined.

In addition, he pointedly noted that we are building, not destroying; we remain vigilant defending the sovereign rights of Cyprus and Greece from provocations by our neighbour.

The government of Cyprus will never give up, under any circumstances, the sovereign rights of the Republic of Cyprus, he underlined.

He noted that the President of the Republic of Cyprus is the elected President of a member state of the United Nations, of the European Union member and of other international organizations, and he will exercise his duties unfailingly, without any restrictions from anywhere.``

He said that Cyprus is still suffering from the occupation of 37% of its territory by Turkey, noting that violation of the international law, independence, sovereignty and territory integrity of Cyprus is the essence of the Cyprus problem and this should be understood.

In his remarks, the Greek President said that he was briefed by President Christofias on the progress made in the ongoing talks for a solution in the Cyprus problem, noting that the stance displayed so far by Turkey and Ankaras moves in the Eastern Mediterranean do not leave much room for optimism.

Papoulias pointed out that a Cyprus solution requires a change of Turkeys strategic perception and incorporation of basic principles of law and order in its policy.

He expressed the belief that this will happen sooner or later, and expressed regret that not all citizens on the island can enjoy the benefits of Cyprus accession to the European Union.

President Christofias said that the talks between him and President Papoulias took place in a cordial climate, adding that relations between them as well between the Cypriot and Greek governments are very close.

Meanwhile, during a welcoming ceremony held at the Presidential Palace, Papoulias awarded the Grant Cross of the Savior to the President Christofias, saying that he really deserves the medal for what he is doing for the Republic of Cyprus.

Thanking him, Christofias told him that he carries on his shoulders the glorious history of both the Greek and the Cypriot people.

President Christofias awarded the Grant Cross of the Order of Makarios III, Cyprus Republic highest award, to the Greek President.

He also extended an official invitation to Papoulias and his spouse to visit Cyprus.

President Demetris Christofias and Turkish Cyprtiot Leader Mehmet Ali Talat have been engaged into direct talks since early September under the UN auspices, aiming at reaching a comprehensive solution with the view to reunite the island which it has been divided since 1974 Turkish occupation.

[02] FORMER MINISTERS - ECONOMIC CRISIS

In statements on the sidelines of the Conference, Keravnos said that the crisis has already ``touched`` Cyprus, but in a different manner. He explained that in the USA and Europe, the crisis started from the banking and the financial systems, while in Cyprus it started from the real economy. In Cyprus, the affected sectors are those that concern economic growth, namely the construction industry, real estate and tourism, he said and pointed out that these sectors will eventually affect the services sector, if the necessary measures are not be taken.

Sarris noted that the global financial crisis is much worse than people had initially thought, and its impact on the Cyprus economy in 2009, 2010 and 2011 will be quite significant. However, comparing to the impact on the countries of the Euro Zone and on the USA, Cyprus is in a better position, he added. Noting that the economic growth rate in Cyprus will be around 2%, and that consumption will be reduced, Sarris estimated that the crisis in Cyprus will be relatively less painful than in other countries.

Christodoulou said that still, the fallout of the global crisis on the Cyprus economy is not significant. However, due to the dependence of our economy on external factors, we will certainly have an impact, he added. Christodoulou expressed the opinion that the Cypriot banks should not expand further, as long as the current crisis lasts. At the same time, he noted that the Cyprus banking system can be assisted by attracting foreign deposits.

[03] HOUSE PRESIDENT - SPEAKERS OF SMALL STATES MEETING

During the conference the following issues of particular interest for the small states of Europe will be discussed: Terms and consequences of the foreign nationals entry and stay in the small states of Europe, Tourism as an important element of the small states economy, and the distinctiveness of those countries labour market.

On the sidelines of the Conference, House Presidents will meet the Prime Minister of Liechtenstein Otmar Hasler, and Hans-Adam II, Prince of Liechtenstein.

[04] CYPRIOT MPs - FRENCH NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

The French MPs were speaking during a meeting with a delegation of the Cyprus-France parliamentary Friendship Group, which is visiting Paris at the invitation of the French National Assembly.

During their meetings, the members of the Cypriot delegation expressed gratitude for the firm support and position of principle France maintains as a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council and as a strong European power with regard to the substance of the Cyprus problem and the ongoing efforts to resolve it.

Cyprus News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article