Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 09-11-26

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

CONTENTS

[01] PRESIDENT CHRISTOFIAS LONDON

[02] BARROSO COMMISSIONERS

[03] CHAIRMAN OF INTERNATIONAL FUND FOR IRELAND CYPRUS INTERVIEW

[04] APOEL ATLETICO MADRID CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

[01] PRESIDENT CHRISTOFIAS LONDON

In his speech at the Cyprus Independence Dinner hosted by the Greek Cypriot Brotherhood in London, President Christofias said that the Greek Cypriot Brotherhood has always played a leading role in our efforts to protect the rights of the people of Cyprus and has found itself in the forefront of the struggles to achieve freedom and to safeguard its independence.

The objective to reverse the faits accomplis of the invasion and occupation, to put an end to the inflow of illegal settlers and to reunify our country, is for us our primary goal. We concentrate all our efforts towards this goal, he noted.

He added that our aim is, through the negotiations, to reach a mutually acceptable solution that would really reunify Cyprus and its people.

A solution, he explained, that would create the conditions so that Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots would build their common future, free from occupation and in conditions of peace.

As he said, this is the goal we are striving for; fully aware of the difficulties and the fact that time is not working to the benefit of Cypriots.

Referring to the ongoing UN led direct negotiations for a solution to the Cyprus problem, President Christofias said that indeed, after almost 15 months the results are not those we had expected.

Nevertheless, he continued, we had no illusions. We did not expect that the road would be easy, that is why we do not fear the difficulties.

He stressed that our determination and commitment remain the same. This is why we turn to our Turkish Cypriot compatriots, expecting more constructive response from them. Our own positive stance is the proof of our will.

On the other hand, this stance has revealed Turkeys heavy responsibilities, Cyprus President underlined.

Therefore, he added, we ask the international community to intervene so that Turkey changes its stance and contributes substantively and in deeds not just in words, to the efforts of the two leaders at the negotiating table.

Turkey maintains armed forces in Cyprus, has brought tens of thousands of settlers and continues to violate the principles of international law and international Treaties. Turkey has the responsibility to solve these aspects, he said, noting that it also has the responsibility to work towards the solution of the problem.

He further said that after nearly 15 months, whole chapters have not yet been discussed properly, adding that this is adequate proof that Turkey has not contributed at all to this process.

On the contrary, he continued, I have the feeling that Turkey has already started the blame game, accusing our side of lacking good will and of delaying the negotiations.

The Cyprus President said that in December Turkey has a critical rendezvous, noting that Cyprus supports with consistency Turkeys full membership to the European Union.

We have shown patience and perseverance, expecting that Turkey would be forthcoming in implementing its obligations vis-a-vis the EU and, above all, in supporting the negotiating process in a practical and substantial way, he pointed out.

Unfortunately, he said, Turkey has not done so.

Under these conditions, everyone must understand that Turkey cannot continue its course towards the EU unhampered, while its stance remains provocative and intransigent, President Christofias concluded.

President of the Republic of Cyprus Demetris Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat began peace talks in September 2008, under UN auspices to find a mutually acceptable solution that will reunite Cyprus, divided since the 1974 Turkish invasion.

[02] BARROSO COMMISSIONERS

Cyprus has designated Androulla Vasiliou, current EU Commissioner for Health.

President Barroso will now proceed with the allocation of portfolios.

``I am pleased to have received nominations from all member states``, he said, adding ``now it is my job to allocate the right portfolios to the right people``.

Barrosso said he looks forward to present a strong Commission team to the European Parliament.

[03] CHAIRMAN OF INTERNATIONAL FUND FOR IRELAND CYPRUS INTERVIEW

Roonie, who comes from Northern Ireland, also believes that those involved in a peace process at any level must have the necessary patience to tackle adversity and setbacks.

He said initially the Fund had to deal with suspicion, doubt and distrust from the people it had sought to engage in the peace effort for various reasons but also because many believed this was a question of throwing money at them in an attempt to make them change their political beliefs. This, in turn, changed with a lot of hard work and tangible results people could relate to, he explained.

Roonie believes that contact between the people, communities, civil servants and on every level is a very useful tool in a peace process.

In resolving a long-standing conflict, Roonie advocates exploitation of international interest, when this is displayed, to engage the international community in the peace process. He believes that the political leadership looks to the community for signs of trust which can be translated into action towards a settlement.

Reconciliation and peace do not come easy, people have to work very hard towards these goals and should indicate their desire to achieve them, he points out in an interview with the CNA, during his recent visit to the island to participate in a seminar, organized by the Reconstruction and Resettlement Council in Cyprus, on Financing the Reunification and Reconstruction European policy the examples of Ireland and Germany.

In the interview on the work of the Fund and its contribution to the peace process in Northern Ireland, Roonie also said that as of next year the Fund will not seek additional funding, noting that this decision reflects the initial intention that the Fund would be an initiative and not an institution which would last for ever.

[04] APOEL ATLETICO MADRID CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

The match for Group D day 5 was held in GSP stadium in Nicosia.

A report posted on APOEL`s website notes that the result did not do the Cypriot team justice. APOEL scored the game`s first goal five minutes into the match and kept the score at 1-0 until half time.

In the second half, Atletico Madrid managed to level the score after the hour mark.

According to the website, the result makes things harder for APOEL to qualify for the UEFA Europa League.

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