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Thursday, 26 December 2024 | ||
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Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 09-09-16Cyprus News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Cyprus News Agency at <http://www.cyna.org.cy>CONTENTS
[01] DOWNER CNA INTERVIEWThe leaders of the Greek Cypriot and the Turkish Cypriot communities are fully aware of the need to compromise, if they are to find a mutually acceptable solution to the Cyprus issue, UN Secretary Generals Special Advisor on Cyprus Alexander Downer believes, noting at the same time their commitment to work in this direction.In an interview with CNA, prior to his departure for a series of meetings in New York on the sidelines of the General Assembly, Downer said that Turkey must not only support the negotiating process but it must also understand that the two community leaders - President Demetris Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat - should have the flexibility to compromise. Downer described the current negotiating process as a shining light on the island, expressed the hope that the two leaders will be able to find those compromises needed for an agreement and stressed that imposing a solution on a peace process almost never works. The former Australian FM rejected any notion that the UN are considering arbitration, should the current process of negotiations fail, explained that there is no plan B as far as the UN is concerned and pointed out that the solution has to be home grown. Asked to assess the current state of affairs in the ongoing talks, a year after they began with a view to reunite Cyprus, he said over the year, the two leaders have very successfully negotiated their way through the first reading, noting that there was quite a significant measure of agreement. Of course there was some very important area of disagreement as well as important areas of agreement but they did make some good progress during the first reading. This, he added, has more or less met my expectations and I think it is fair to say that what happened in the first reading is what I had expected to happen. [02] SYRIAN PRESIDENT CYPRUS ISSUEPresident of Syria Bashar al Assad has said that his country supports a solution of the Cyprus problem, based on UN principles and decisions.According to an official press release, issued in Nicosia, al Assad reaffirmed Syria`s position during a ceremony to receive the credentials of Cyprus` new Ambassador in Damascus Antonis Grivas. The Syrian President referred to the recent visit of President of the Republic of Cyprus Demetris Christofias to Syria, which he described as successful, noting that the visit has strengthened relations between the two countries and affirmed unwavering historical ties. [03] TURKISH CYPRIOTS PILGRIMAGEOver 100 Turkish Cypriots visited Hala Sultan Tekke in Larnaca on Tuesday evening for prayers on the occasion of the feast of Kadir Gecesi, a Moslem feast on the 26th day of Ramadan.The pilgrims traveled to the mosque on four buses, accompanied by Cyprus Police vehicles, and took with them food and water to break the fast after sundown. The Turkish Cypriots, speaking Greek, said Kadir Gecesi was a holy day, on which, according to tradition, an angel presented the first verses of the Quran to Mohammed. The pilgrimage was organised by the religious affairs office of the puppet regime in the areas of Cyprus under Turkish occupation. Three people were denied entrance into the government-controlled areas of the Republic of Cyprus at the Ayios Dhometios crossing point due to the fact that their parents are Turkish settlers. Cyprus News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |