Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 09-07-24

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

CONTENTS

[01] NATIONAL COUNCIL - MEETING

[02] GREEK PRESIDENT - CYPRUS QUESTION

[03] FINANCE MINISTRY - MEETING

[01] NATIONAL COUNCIL - MEETING

Speaking after Friday`s meeting of the National Council, Government Spokesman Stephanos Stephanou said President of the Republic Demetris Christofias briefed the members of the Council in detail on the course of the talks, based on documents submitted, adding that in September the members will be presenting their views.

The National Council is the top advisory body to the President on the handling of the Cyprus problem, and comprises leaders and representatives of parliamentary parties.

Replying to questions, Stephanou said all political parties submitted positions and views on Turkey`s EU accession course, verbally or in writing.

``Today there was a truly constructive atmosphere,`` he said, adding that discussions to follow ``will deal with what needs to be done and how it should be done, so that through Turkey`s accession course, the effort to solve the Cyprus problem is assisted.``

Stephanou clarified that Turkey`s progress report and talks to solve the Cyprus problem are two separate matters, adding that the Greek Cypriot side would be striving for a settlement through the negotiations, despite obstacles.

Cyprus, which joined the EU in 2004, has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third.

The leaders of the two communities in Cyprus have been engaged in UN-led direct negotiations since September 2008, with an aim to reunite the island.

[02] GREEK PRESIDENT - CYPRUS QUESTION

Addressing an event to mark the 35th anniversary since the restoration of democracy in Greece, Papoulias said that the solution of the Cyprus problem should be based on international law, UN resolutions, and should free the island of the right of intervention by foreign powers.

He also pointed out that neither arbitration nor strict timeframes should be imposed on the current UN-led direct negotiations between the leaders of the two communities in Cyprus.

The European Union has a responsibility to contribute to the ``healing of this wound, which is one of the greatest shames of global civilisation``, he said.

[03] FINANCE MINISTRY - MEETING

Minister of Finance Charilaos Stavrakis said the main aim of the government was to maintain public deficit below 3%, given the reduction in the state`s income, as well as the measures to tackle the global financial crisis, with simultaneous low taxation and the continuation of the government`s social programme.

Stavrakis said there was certainly a deterioration in public finances, mainly due to the decrease of state revenue from property sales, adding that in 2008 this sector contributed 700 million EUR to public finances, while in 2009 it is expected that revenue would drop to less than half that amount.

``The government is doing everything possible to maintain public deficit on the lowest possible level,`` he said.

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