Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 09-07-15

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

CONTENTS

[01] CYPRUS EVENTS MARKING 1974 COUP

[02] PRESIDENT CYPRUS ISSUE

[01] CYPRUS EVENTS MARKING 1974 COUP

The military coup against the first President of the Republic, Archbishop Makarios, engineered by the military junta then ruling Greece, was followed five days later by the Turkish invasion, which resulted in the illegal occupation of 37 percent of the Republic`s territory and its de facto division.

The wailing of sirens was heard at 8.20 local time, the very time when the coup occurred.

A church service for those killed during the coup was held this morning at Saints Constantinos and Eleni Church in Nicosia, in the presence of Cyprus President Demetris Christofias. Former Education Minister Christoforos Christofides addressed the ceremony.

Wreaths were laid at the tombs of those killed defending the Republic.

The 56-seat House of Representatives will hold a special session this morning to denounce the coup and the Turkish invasion and honour those who sacrificed their life for democracy and for defending their country.

An event will be held at the Presidential Palace on July 17 to denounce the 15 July 1974 military coup and the Turkish invasion which followed five days later.

Political parties hold special gatherings in various towns to condemn the twin crime against Cyprus. Similar gatherings are held in various countries where Cypriots reside.

[02] PRESIDENT CYPRUS ISSUE

Speaking to Cypriot children who live in the US and Australia, President Christofias said that we are trying together with the Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat to reunite our homeland.

He added that the solution of the problem should be acceptable by both communities, viable, functional and based on UN principles.

He explained that the solution aims to create a federal state, which will respect human rights. He added that while the central government will have increased responsibilities, the constituent states would not have greater powers than the federal government.

He also pointed out that the federal state will have a common economy and will safeguard human rights for all its citizens.

Referring to the ongoing UN-led direct talks, Christofias said that on some issues there is convergence of views while on others the leaders disagree.

We will continue the negotiations because the only way to find a solution to the Cyprus problem is through negotiations, he said.

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