Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 09-09-19

Cyprus News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

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

CONTENTS

[01] PRESIDENT CHRISTOFIAS - NATIONAL COUNCIL

[02] PRESIDENT - TORNADO VICTIMS - SYMPATHY

[03] HOUSE PRESIDENT - KENYAN VICE PRESIDENT

[04] INTERIOR MINISTER - EU JHA COUNCIL

[01] PRESIDENT CHRISTOFIAS - NATIONAL COUNCIL

President Christofias stressed that Turkey must get a message from the EU and Cyprus must send messages to the Union on how it should handle Turkey, if this country, until its evaluation by the Union, continues behaving in the manner it has been behaving up until now.

Referring to the start of the second round of UN-led talks to reunite the island, divided since 1974 Turkish invasion, he said it was difficult but necessary and added that political parties in Cyprus would support him in this difficult effort.

Speaking at Larnaka airport prior to his departure for New York, via London, he said that after four days of deliberations at the National Council and exchange of views, I think I cannot but be pleased with the unanimous statement which was issued Friday.

Beyond that, it is normal for the parties to have their own views and reservations, he pointed out.

President Christofias called for unity on the domestic front, warning that developments in the Cyprus question are not simple and should not be simplified in connection with Turkeys course to the EU and Ankaras stance, which unfortunately, as he pointed out, does not allow for optimism.

On the contrary, he added, Turkey must receive messages from the EU and we must send messages to the EU on how it should deal with Turkey, if, until its evaluation, Ankara continues to behave in the manner it behaves up until now.

Moreover, President Christofias noted that in his address before the United Nations General Assembly next week, in New York, he would refer to the efforts to solve Cyprus problem as well as to the obstacles raised towards achieving this goal.

Christofias said that on the sidelines of the General Assembly he would have the opportunity to meet heads of state and governments while the Foreign Minister would also meet many of his counterparts.

He added that in his address to the General Assembly he would talk about the issues on the UN agenda but also on the Cyprus question and efforts to reach a solution as well as the obstacles he faces.

In New York, President Christofias will meet Cypriots living in the US at a special event and Archbishop Demetrios of America.

After New York, President Christofias and his entourage will fly to Cuba on a two day official visit, during which he will open the Republics embassy there.

Christofias will first visit London on the occasion of celebrations for the Cypriot Community Center.

He is due to return to Cyprus on September 30.

[02] PRESIDENT - TORNADO VICTIMS - SYMPATHY

In statements at Larnaka Airport prior to his departure for London, Christofias said that government and other services responded immediately in an organised manner. The President also assured that those hit by the tornado, which caused significant damage to property, uprooting trees, lifting roofs and causing traffic chaos, will receive state assistance.

Meanwhile, the police warned here today that intense weather phenomena including strong thunderstorms, possible hailstorm and very strong winds may occur today across Cyprus, in particular Nicosia. The police urged the public to remain calm, stay at home or at the work place and avoid unnecessary movement. According to the police during yesterdays tornado a total of 17 persons were injured while houses, shops and cars suffered extensive damage.

[03] HOUSE PRESIDENT - KENYAN VICE PRESIDENT

According to an official press release issued here, the House President thanked Kalonzo Musyoka for his countrys support - based on principles - for the just cause of Cyprus, noting at the same time that Cyprus, as an EU member state, can assist third countries and especially friendly state such as Kenya in their effort to enhance relations with the EU. During the meeting, Garoyian briefed Kenyas Vice President on the current phase of the Cyprus problem, expressing in particular the good will of the Greek Cypriot side in the UN- led direct talks which began September 2008 between the President of the Republic Demetris Christofias and the Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat with the view to reach a comprehensive solution to the Cyprus question.

In addition, he underlined that the key to the solution remains in Ankara which however does not seem to show any political will, as he pointed out. The House President expressed also the will to further deepen bilateral relations with Kenya, especially on a parliamentary level, something the Vice President of Kenya agreed with.

[04] INTERIOR MINISTER - EU JHA COUNCIL

The ministers will also discuss problems children who come to the EU without their guardians face and the Free Movement Directive, which regulates free movement for citizens of EU countries and their families. Swedens Minister for Migration and Asylum Policy Tobias Billstrom will chair the meeting.

Particular importance for Cyprus will be the discussion of the implementation of the 18 and 19 June, 2009 conclusions of the European Commission, in which the need to conclude a readmission EU-Turkey agreement is recorded, with the purpose illegal immigrants who pass through the EU from Turkey to return to Turkey.

Cyprus News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article