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

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

CONTENTS

[01] NATIONAL COUNCIL SPOKESMAN

[02] CHINA AMBASSADOR CYPRUS ISSUE

[03] GAMES OF LA FRNACOPHONIE - CYPRUS

[04] ACHILLEOS 2ND PLACE - ISSF

[01] NATIONAL COUNCIL SPOKESMAN

During Tuesdays session, under President Demetris Christofias, the leaders of the parliamentary parties have concluded the submission of their positions on the Cyprus problem and on the assessment of Turkey`s EU accession course in December by the EU Council, Government Spokesman Stephanos Stephanou stated, adding that this was followed by a discussion.

The discussion will be concluded tomorrow and on Friday President Christofias will recapitulate the discussion, and the necessary conclusions will be reached, he said.

Questioned on the need for unity on the homefront, Stephanou said that the meetings of the National Council provide the opportunity for discussion and consideration on a series of issues, and this is a precondition for unity as well as a factor that helps unity.

Asked if it would be possible for the Council to come up with a common strategy on the handling of the Cyprus problem, Stephanou said that this is what is being pursued. He also pointed out that it will be very helpful if the National Council adopts common positions.

The National Council comprises members are the government and parliamentary political parties. It is presided over by the President.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkish troops invaded and occupied 37% of its territory. Peace talks are underway between the leaders of the two communities to find a negotiated settlement that would reunite the country. The second phase of the talks began September 10.

[02] CHINA AMBASSADOR CYPRUS ISSUE

Cypriot Minister of Commerce, Industry and Tourism Antonis Paschalides, who has met Zhao, in view of the Ambassador`s departure from Cyprus, expressed gratitude for the support Zhao and his country have provided to the people of Cyprus in the struggle for a settlement, and praised the close ties of friendship and cooperation between the two countries.

Paschalides and Zhao also discussed prospects for development between the two countries in various sectors, such as tourism and trade.

[03] GAMES OF LA FRNACOPHONIE - CYPRUS

The Games of La Francophonie are an international cultural and sporting event in which the states and governments of La Francophonie participate.

Speaking at a press conference here today, Minister of Education and Culture Andreas Demetriou said that Cyprus would be participating in these games for the first time since its accession to the International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF).

Demetriou described this participation as very important for Cyprus in that it can promote Cyprus to the countries of La Francophonie, both in sporting, cultural and political field, as well as promoting La Francophonie member states in Cyprus.

[04] ACHILLEOS 2ND PLACE - ISSF

Achilleos maintains second place with 3,949 points. The Cyprus Shooting Federation says in a press release that ranking second for four consecutive months establishes Achilleos in the elite of world shooting.

Among the top 50 athletes in skeet are Cypriots Antonis Andreou, ranking 27th, and Kyriakos Christoforou, ranking 50th. Olympic medalist Antonis Nicolaides, who will be withdrawing from the sport, is 16th based on his successes over the previous years.

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