Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 08-12-29

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

CONTENTS

[01] CHRISTOFIAS - MISSING PERSONS

[02] CYPRUS - EMBASSIES - SECURITY

[01] CHRISTOFIAS - MISSING PERSONS

Speaking after a visit to the laboratory of the Committee on Missing Persons in Cyprus (CMP), President Christofias said that the procedure carried out at the laboratory was ``a positive and important step to ease, to the extent possible, the ordeal of the families,`` noting that what is left is to determine the causes.

President Christofias, who was accompanied by Presidential Commissioner George Iacovou, met with Greek Cypriot member of the CMP Elias Georgiades and the third member Christof Jirod. Turkish Cypriot member Gulden Plumer Kutsuk is abroad.

The President thanked the three members of the CMP, as well as the scientific and other staff of the laboratory, and praised them for their strength to carry out their mission. He also expressed gratitude to the chief of the UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP).

President Christofias assured that the government would continue to contribute to the work of the CMP and would be donating an additional sum of 150,000 euros on Tuesday.

He expressed hope for the reconciliation of the two communities and for a functional and viable solution based on the principles of a bizonal bicommunal federation, which would serve the interests of all Cypriots.

To a remark that investigations into the fate of missing persons should be extended to Turkish archives, since many prisoners were taken there, President Christofias said ``this is the demand and the effort but it is not simple.``

[02] CYPRUS - EMBASSIES - SECURITY

Speaking after a meeting with the Police leadership, Louca noted that the Republic of Cyprus is ready to confront any situation that may arise.

We have assessed the situation and the security measures at high risk embassies will increase. We are ready to deal with any situation that may arise, he said, noting that the issue concerns the Foreign Ministry and the Ministry of Interior as well.

Michael Papageorgiou, Deputy Chief of Police, said that the police are assessing the situation and taking increased security measures at ports, airports, and the embassies of countries involved.

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