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Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 09-07-16Cyprus News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Cyprus News Agency at <http://www.cyna.org.cy>CONTENTS
[01] SPOKESMAN CYPRUS TALKS - TURKEYGovernment Spokesman Stephanos Stephanou has said that a solution to the Cyprus problem is feasible by the end of the year, provided that Turkey, which occupies one third of Cyrpus` territory, changes its stance.Invited Thursday to comment on statements made by the spokesman of the Turkish Foreign Ministry that a solution is possible by the end of 2009, Stephanou pointed out that an agreement is possible by December, adding: but many things must change in order to achieve that. The first thing that needs to change is Turkey`s stance, he said, noting that if Turkey adopts a constructive stance, progress and convergence could be achieved which could create a momentum to reach a solution. Invited to comment on press information that Britain has asked the UN Secretary General to invite the leaders of the two Cypriot communities in September to New York, Stephanou clarified that Cypriot President Demetris Christofias has not been invited to participate in such a meeting. He said that in September, President Christofias would attend and address the UN General Assembly as head of state, just like every year. The Spokesman was also invited to comment on information that EU and UN officials speak of an ``international timeframe`` expiring in December regarding prospects to solve the Cyprus problem. President Christofias expressed Wednesday ``anger and regret`` at any suggestion that EU leading personalities or UN officials might be talking about timeframes. Clarifying that the agreement reached regarding the Cyprus process does not include any strict timeframes or arbitration, Stephanou said that the solution of the Cyprus problem would be a product of an agreement between the two communities, meaning it would be a mutually acceptable solution which will be put to separate and simultaneous referenda. Stephanou said that any statements which suggest that December is a timeframe for the solution of the Cyprus problem, or imply strict timeframes or question the agreed procedure of the Cyprus talks, create a bad climate, a reaction and even anger. It is for this reason that yesterday, President Christofias clarified once again that we have an agreed procedure which everyone must respect, he concluded. President Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat have been engaged in UN-led talks since September 2008, with a view to finding a negotiated settlement that will reunite the country, divided since the Turkish invasion of 1974. [02] LEADERS TALKSPresident of the Republic of Cyprus Demetris Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat will hold their 37th meeting on Friday in the context of UN-led direct negotiations to solve the Cyprus problem.During their last meeting on July 9, the leaders of the two communities made a first reading of each other`s positions on the chapter concerning security and guarantees. [03] EU - SWEDISH PM - CYPRUS ISSUESwedish Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt has expressed the view that the leaders of the two communities in Cyprus have an historic opportunity to together reach an agreement on a solution that would heal an island that has been divided for far too long. Reinfeldt, whose country holds the six-monthly rotating EU presidency, was speaking Wednesday before the European Parliament in Strasbourg presenting the priorities of the Swedish presidency for the next six months as well as his vision for Europe.Referring to EU enlargement, he said that at the end of the day, membership is about sharing a set of common basic values and following common rules. This is something that those on the outside are now contemplating. From Reykjavik to Ankara, and across the Western Balkans, he added. He went on to say that Cyprus two leaders have been granted an historic opportunity to together reach an agreement on a solution that would heal an island that has been divided for far too long. To those on the inside, allowing the membership process to become an opportunity to solve protracted disputes can be tempting, he noted, adding that in such cases, we must find solutions that can benefit both sides and open up a way forward. [04] CYPRUS BEACH VOLLEYCyprus will host on July 17 -19 CEV`s women`s Beach Volley Challenger 2009.The tournament will take place in Geroskipou area of Cyprus` southeastern coastal town of Pafos. According to the organizing committee, a total of 23 teams from 16 countries will participate in this year`s event, organized in Cyprus for the fourth consecutive time and this year given CEV status. Top seeds of the tournament, which is being held at the same location for the fourth year in a row, are Spains Alejandra Simon/Cristina Hopf, gold medalists at the Mediterranean Games two weeks ago in Pescara, followed by Italy`s Cikolari and Monegeti, silver medalists and Brazil`s world champions Barbara Seixas Figueredo/Claudinere Bento Sabin. Cyprus News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |