Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 10-03-19

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

CONTENTS

[01] GREEK PM - CYPRUS PROBLEM

[02] PRESIDENT CHRISTOFIAS - CYPRUS PROBLEM

[03] INTERIOR MINISTER - ASYLUM SEEKERS

[04] RUSSIA - DEAD POLICEMAN - CONDOLENCES

[01] GREEK PM - CYPRUS PROBLEM

Christofias thanked Papandreou and the Greek government for his support to the efforts of the Cyprus government through the talks and at the international community so that it is convinced that it is time for the Cyprus problem to be solved, but not without taking into consideration the fundamental international law and UN principles, and the EU values and principles. In statements to the press, Papandreou expressed his appreciation and support to Cyprus Presidents efforts in the direct negotiations, noting that their common goal is a settlement that will abide by the UN resolutions and will respect the acquis communautaire.

He noted that they decided that he will visit Cyprus soon and that he will meet him and political party leaders and that the date of his visit will be determined after consultations with the parties. Papandreou also said that he informed Christofias about the Greek governments initiatives as regards the Greek economy, noting that Greece has done what it had to do and now it is the time for Europe to act. On his part, Christofias referred to the close cooperation between the two governments, stressing the solidarity of the Greek Prime Minister and Government with efforts of the Cypriot government in the negotiations and towards the international community to convince it that it is time for the Cyprus problem to be solved on the basis of the fundamentals UN, international and EU principles and values.

He said that he informed Papandreou about the latest developments on the Cyprus problem, while referring to the problems which Greece faces as regards its economy he said that Greece can always count on the support of the Republic of Cyprus at the European Council. Asked about the possibility that a joint communique will be issued at his next meeting with Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat on March 30, Christofias said that he has no objections for such a communique to be issued. He said that he has been discussing this issue with Talat, with the Cypriot political leadership and it may be discussed at the National Council.

Christofias added that they do not agree that such a joint communique will be considered as an interim agreement, because the Cyprus problem comprises 6-7 aspects. Now we are talking about the issue of governance which is a very serious one, because it is related with the functionality or not of the state, with the unity of the state, if it will be a real federation or a confederation, he added. Christofias noted that that during the Cyprus talks they have reached solutions on many aspects of this issue but there are also aspects that remain unsolved.

Asked about Greeces position on the possibility of having an international conference on the Cyprus problem, Papandreou said he discussed this issue with President Christofias and the he fully agrees with his thoughts. Christofias and Talat have been engaged in direct negotiations since September 2008 with a view to solve the problem of Cyprus, divided since the Turkish invasion of the island in 1974.

[02] PRESIDENT CHRISTOFIAS - CYPRUS PROBLEM

As President Christofias said, Sergeant Christos Grivas, 21, was transferred to the Greek Force of Cyprus (ELDYK) just a few days before the Turkish invasion. He was last seen in August 15 1974, the President added.

``We are aware that we are not alone. The Greek people, the Greek state the Government and the political world is by our side. They support us and encourage us in this struggle. We hope that day will come which would ease our pain and will lift the burden from our hearts,`` the President concluded.

[03] INTERIOR MINISTER - ASYLUM SEEKERS

Addressing an event for the presentation of a programme of cooperation with the Netherlands as regards pressures on Cyprus as regards asylum issued, funded by the European Refugees Funds and the Republic of Cyprus, Sylikiotis said that Cyprus is among the EU member states with the most numerous asylum applications in connection with its population.

He said that this is the result of Cyprus geographical position close to the Near East and the Middle East, which continuously addresses serious political problems, conflicts and wars and due to the ongoing Turkish invasion of the northern part of the island that does not allow the Republic of Cyprus to exert effective control all over its territory.

Sylikiotis referred to the number of asylum applications in Cyprus, noting that the measures that have been taken had positive results since while at the end of 2007 there were 8,567 pending applications, today their number is approximately 1.000.

[04] RUSSIA - DEAD POLICEMAN - CONDOLENCES

Andreas Georgiou, a member of the Port and Marine Police, lost his life during a recent operation to rescue a family of Russian citizens, whose boat had capsized near the harbour of Kato Paphos, in the western area of Cyprus.

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