Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 09-11-19

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

CONTENTS

[01] HOUSE PRESIDENT - BRUSSELS

[02] LEADERS - NEW MEETING

[03] EP PRESIDENT - CYPRUS PROBLEM

[04] CYPRUS PROBLEM - SEMINAR

[01] HOUSE PRESIDENT - BRUSSELS

In statements to the press, Garoyian said that during those meetings he had the opportunity to brief his interlocutors on the course of the ongoing UN-led direct negotiations to reach a Cyprus solution and to express ``our will for a solution as soon as possible``.

A solution, he added, which will meet the expectations of the Cypriot people and be based on the principles and values of the EU and on UN resolutions, and not just any solution``, as he noted.

The Cyprus problem cannot be solved with wishes or nice words, but with Turkey being forced by the international community to change its rigorous stance and respond to the spirit and the letter of the Charter of the United Nations and the European acquis, he stressed.

Peace talks are underway between the leaders of the Greek Cypriot and the Turkish Cypriot communities to find a negotiated settlement that will reunite the country, divided since the 1974 Turkish invasion.

The House President said that Turkey`s EU course evaluation was also discussed at the meetings, reiterating that Cyprus backs Turkeys European aspirations, provided it meets its obligations and commitments vis-a-vis the EU and the Republic of Cyprus.

He also said that ``we are working and we will continue to work for a unanimous EU decision in December`` when the EU will assess Ankaras accession course. Garoyian expressed hope that, in this respect, Cyprus will not be faced with an awkward predicament which could put at risk the countrys vital interests.

Garoyian also said that during discussions with European officials and the President of the European Parliament ``we had the opportunity to exchange views on furthering relations between the House of Representatives and the European Parliament``.

On last day of his contacts in Brussels, Garoyian held separate meetings with the European Parliament President, the President of the European People`s party Joseph Daul, with Rebecca Harms, the Vice chairwoman of the Greens/European Free Alliance group in the European and Lothar Bisky, President of the Confederal Group of the European United Left/Nordic Green Left.

House president is due back in Cyprus on Friday.

[02] LEADERS - NEW MEETING

The meeting will start at 1100 local time (0900 GMT), at the UN Protected Area of the now defunct Nicosia international airport.

In the last meeting, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General in Cyprus Taye-Brook Zerihoun has said that the leaders will devote their meeting on November 20, on organisational matters.

``They are going to review the process, the timing of the meetings, the schedule of meetings of representatives and the leaders to make sure that they have an efficient process, he added.

[03] EP PRESIDENT - CYPRUS PROBLEM

In statements after a working breakfast he had on Thursday with President of the House of Representatives Marios Garoyian, currently on a visit to Brussels, Buzek said that it was an excellent meeting and discussion, noting that ``the current situation in Cyprus is very important for all EU members -states, for the European Parliament, since Cyprus is a member of the European Union``.

He said that during their meeting they discussed about the ongoing negotiations between the two communities in Cyprus and some other questions and added that ``we are interested to have stability in this part of the European Union, which is also very important for Cyprus``.

Buzek also said that the European Parliament ``decided to invite the leaders of both communities early 2010``, so, he continued, ``in few months we expect visits of both communities``.

[04] CYPRUS PROBLEM - SEMINAR

In his address to the meeting, Minister of Interior Neoclis Sylikiotis said that reaching an agreed solution in Cyprus, which has been divided since the 1974 Turkish invasion, will be hard and work will not end with the signing of an agreement or a referendum. On the contrary, he pointed out, a lot of work will follow as people will have to face the challenge for renewal, the opportunities for reconstruction, development and the reunification of the countrys institutions. Sylikiotis said the Council of Ministers has asked the Reconstruction and Resettlement Team to study, in cooperation with Turkish Cypriot scientists, wherever possible, the Strategy for Reconstruction and Resettlement, adding that the project for reconstruction and reunification in Cyprus has focused on the study of other European examples. The government is determined to end the division of the country, he stressed, noting that the Greek Cypriot side is at the negotiating table with good will.

The President of the Council Nicos Mesarites said the aim of the seminar is to impart the financing experiences of Ireland and Germany, concerning their respective reconstruction and reunification of infrastructure, services and development of their countries. Former Minister of Finance Michalis Sarris said the reunification of the island will have positive effects on the economy, the rate of growth and the dividend of peace. Political stability, he noted, will help investment and there will be a better allocation of restricted resources, a reduction in double infrastructure and a reduction in military expenditure.

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