Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 09-07-20

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

CONTENTS

[01] PRESIDENT CHRISTOFIAS - MEMORIAL - STATEMENTS

[02] TURKISH INVASION - 35 YEARS

[03] GREEK PM - MESSAGE

[01] PRESIDENT CHRISTOFIAS - MEMORIAL - STATEMENTS

Speaking after a memorial service for those killed during the 1974 Turkish invasion of the island, President Christofias said it was imperative ``to keep the memory alive and at the same time to intensify our efforts in order to terminate the fait accompli of the invasion and occupation, which unfortunately, over time, multiply and worsen.``

President Christofias said the aim was ``to reach a solution the soonest possible, which will produce a functional state, restore the human rights and freedoms of the whole of the people of Cyprus, without foreigners having intervention rights in our home affairs.``

Commenting on remarks by Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat regarding the formation of a new partnership state, President Christofias said ``this is the position of the Turkish side, which we know and of course do not accept.``

``We have presented our positions, which dismiss these positions of Mr. Talat and Ankara,`` he said, noting that ``we have ascertained that on these issues our views are poles apart.``

[02] TURKISH INVASION - 35 YEARS

Today, Cyprus pays tribute to those killed during the invasion and those still missing, with memorials and other events in the government-controlled areas of the Republic.

Air-raid sirens wailed at 0530 local time (0230 GMT), when the Turkish invasion began 35 years ago with the landing of Turkish troops on the island`s northern shores.

In the morning, a memorial service for the army officers and soldiers killed during the invasion took place at Makedonitissa Tomb in Nicosia, in the presence of Cypriot President Demetris Christofias other officials and representatives of the Greek government and parliament.

Later on, an official memorial ceremony was held at Faneromeni Church in Nicosia in the presence of President Christofias.

A series of other anti-occupation events will take place during the day. Political parties have issued statements condemning the Turkish invasion and occupation.

[03] GREEK PM - MESSAGE

In his message on the 35th anniversary of the Turkish invasion against Cyprus on July 20th 1974, the Greek Prime Minister stresses that the agreement we all wish to be achieved through the ongoing Cyprus negotiations must bear the seal of the two communities, without intervention of third parties and without technical timeframes.

The basis of the negotiations is the achievement of a bizonal, bicommunal federation with one and only sovereignty, one international personality and a single citizenship, he adds. The Greek Premier notes that the anniversary of the Turkish invasion against Cyprus is a day of remembrance, but also an occasion to reiterate and reassure of the firm commitment of all Hellenism to the goal for the achievement of a final, just, viable and functional solution in Cyprus.

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