Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 09-11-04

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

CONTENTS

[01] PRESIDENT - RUSSIAN FM - MEETING

[02] SPOKESMAN - CYPRUS ISSUE

[03] UNSG - PAPANDREOU - CYPRUS PROBLEM

[04] STAVRAKIS CYPRIOT ECONOMY

[01] PRESIDENT - RUSSIAN FM - MEETING

The meeting recorded a full convergence of views between Cyprus and Russia with regard to the Cyprus problem.

Speaking to the press, President Christofias expressed satisfaction on the results of his meeting with Lavrov and described the meeting as ``excellent.``

He added that there will be more practical results which will be analysed during the talks between Lavrov and Cypriot Minister of Foreign Affairs Marcos Kyprianou.

``ิhe Russian Federation stands by our side and I would like to thank once more the leadership and the people of Russia for this consistent, long-standing stance which it observes in favour of Cyprus, in favour of the rights of the Cypriot people as a whole,`` President Christofias said, pointing out that ``because a just, viable and principled solution to the Cyprus problem, based on the UN resolutions and the principles of the international law would serve the Cypriot people as a whole.``

Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third.

[02] SPOKESMAN - CYPRUS ISSUE

Stephanou was addressing Wednesday the seminar titled ``Energy Policy after the Peace in Ireland and the reunification in Germany - Lessons for Cyprus``.

Referring to the examples of establishing peace in Ireland and the reunification of Germany, Stephanou pointed out that despite the problems in the two countries, solutions have been found, adding that this can happen in Cyprus too.

We need to have faith that solutions can be found and therefore we should be consistently working to achieve those solutions ``, he noted.

The seminar examined the prospects of energy policy in Cyprus after a solution that would reunify the island and was organized by the Council for Reconstruction and Resettlement in Cyprus.

[03] UNSG - PAPANDREOU - CYPRUS PROBLEM

Speaking at a joint press conference with Papandreou after a meeting in Athens, Ban said the UN have significantly contributed to the process for the reunification of the island.

According to a press release, he assured he would personally make every effort to facilitate the progress that have been achieved, adding that his Special Adviser Alexander Downer would continue to work with the leaders of the two communities.

Papandreou said he briefed Ban on the latest initiatives he has taken to generate a momentum in the Cyprus problem and other issues, and assured the UN chief that close cooperation would continue.

[04] STAVRAKIS CYPRIOT ECONOMY

He also pointed out that in 2009 and 2010 Cyprus is forecast to have the lowest deficit and public debt, while unemployment will be 4 points lower, compared to the average of the Eurozone and the EU27.

Speaking at a press conference, Stavrakis said that, contrary to press reports, the Cypriot economy is not under surveillance, while 13 out of the 15 Eurozone countries are, and noted that the total impact on public finances from the drop in income and the increase of social benefits was 1.4 billion EUR or a deficit of 8.4%.

He added that the European Commission acknowledges in its report that the government has taken measures to reduce the repercussions of the global financial crisis, and that Cyprus

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