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

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

CONTENTS

[01] PRESIDENT - BERLIN

[02] INTERIOR MINISTER - IMMIGRANTS

[03] CYPRUS - TRADE DEFICIT

[04] CYPRUS - BUILDING PERMITS

[01] PRESIDENT - BERLIN

Speaking at Larnaca Airport before departing for Berlin, where he will attend celebrations to mark the anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, President Christofias said Germany was divided after World War II and the victory of the allied forces, while Cyprus has been divided for 35 years due to the Turkish invasion.

President Christofias said Europe could contribute to efforts to solve the Cyprus problem and the ongoing talks between the leaders of the two communities, so that an agreement could be reached for a bizonal bicommunal federation in line with international and European law.

Replying to questions, President Christofias said there would be no time for meetings with heads of state and government in Berlin, due to the busy schedule of the guests, adding that after Berlin he would be flying to London at the invitation of Prime Minister Gordon Brown to discuss the latest developments in the Cyprus problem.

[02] INTERIOR MINISTER - IMMIGRANTS

In statements on the sidelines of the 12th Rainbow Festival, organised in Limassol by the Movement for Equality, Support and Anti-racism (KISA) in cooperation with immigrant communities, Sylikiotis said that ``the pressure we exerted on the EU brought about results so that a dialogue with Turkey could begin concerning readmission.``

He also expressed hope that ``the European support office would set up headquarters in the Mediterranean, and this is a decision that will be taken in December at the European Council.``

[03] CYPRUS - TRADE DEFICIT

According to the preliminary estimates for Foreign Trade in September 2009, total imports/ arrivals were 481.2 million euro, of which 328 million were arrivals from other Member States of EU and 153.2 million imports from Third countries.

Total exports/dispatches were 71.8 million of which 42,4 million were dispatches to other Member States of EU and 29.4 million exports to Third Countries.

Total imports/arrivals (covering total imports from third countries and arrivals from other Member States) in January-August 2009 amounted to 3.707,5 million as compared to 4.962,7 million in January-August 2008. Total exports/dispatches (covering total exports to third countries and dispatches to other Member States) in January-August 2009 were 634 million compared to 807,1 million in January-August 2008.

The trade deficit was 3.073,5 million Euro in January-August 2009 compared to 4.155,6 million Euro in January-August 2008.

[04] CYPRUS - BUILDING PERMITS

The total value of these permits reached 153.8 million Euro and the total area 176,6 thousand square metres. These building permits provide for the construction of 900 dwelling units.

During the period January August 2009, 5.897 building permits were issued, registering an increase of 5.1% compared to the corresponding period of the previous year. The total value of these permits increased by 7.2% and the total area decreased by 6%. ิhe number of dwelling units recorded a decrease of 9%.

Building permits constitute a leading indicator of future activity in the construction sector.

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