Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 09-06-18

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

CONTENTS

[01] SWEDEN - CYPRUS TALKS

[02] DEFENCE MINISTER - SERBIA

[03] CHRISTOFIAS - INNOVATION

[04] CYPRUS - ESU BRANCH

[01] SWEDEN - CYPRUS TALKS

Speaking during the annual conference «Debate on the state of the Union», held at the European Policy Centre in Brussels, Bildt, whose country will take over the EU Presidency as of July 1st, noted the challenges that the EU faces, among which, as he said, is the settlement of the Cyprus question.

Bildt said that it is a shame, twenty years after the fall of the Berlin wall one European capital, Nicosia, to remain divided.

The Swedish FM said that a possible success or failure in the outcome of the talks would have serious impacts on the Eastern Mediterranean region and on the EU NATO relations.

Bildt said he was convinced about the will of the leaders, Cyprus President Demetris Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat, to achieve an agreement, noting that if there is an agreement the EU must contribute to its implementation so that both communities will benefit from its financial gains.

When Cypriots are ready we will have to be ready too, he added, noting that no other opportunity must be lost, since the impacts of a possible failure will be long-term.

[02] DEFENCE MINISTER - SERBIA

In statements at Larnaca airport after his arrival, Papacostas said that he signed with his Serbian counterpart an agreement on defence cooperation between the two countries. He noted that his visit was completely successful and that its goals and aims, which were the enhancement of the cooperation for the further tightening of the relations between the two countries, have been achieved.

He also said that he met with the Foreign Minister and the Speaker of the Serbian parliament and that they discussed bilateral and regional issues in depth.

I informed the Serbian officials about the current phase of the Cyprus question and President Christofias intention to reach a settlement of the Cyprus question, he said, adding that the Serbian officials expressed their full support to efforts for a Cyprus settlement on the basis of UN resolutions and the international law.

[03] CHRISTOFIAS - INNOVATION

He added that Cyprus` performance reached 0.471, slightly below the EU27 average of 0.475, and the country is now ranking 12th.

In a speech at a ceremony for the Cyprus Innovation Award, which was read out by Minister of Commerce, Industry and Tourism Antonis Paschalides, President Christofias noted that innovation has proven to be a decisive factor for business competitiveness, economic growth and social welfare in countries promoting research, creativity and technological advancement.

President Christofias noted that the government has planned a series of initiatives and measures with an aim to upgrade the institutional framework for the promotion of research and innovation, and has also decided to maintain the increased funds for research, as well as the utilisation of EU structural funds.

[04] CYPRUS - ESU BRANCH

Speaking during a press conference, Millet said he was a bit surprised that the establishment of a Cyprus branch has taken so long, given the importance of the use of English language on the island.

Noting that education is a really strong strand in the relationship between UK and Cyprus, the BHC pointed out that there are now more than 10.000 Cypriot students at British Universities.

He also said that this initiative creates international understanding and friendship through the use of the English language.

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