Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 10-03-26

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

CONTENTS

[01] LEADERS - LIMNITIS WORKS

[02] SPOKESMAN - DIRECT TRADE

[03] FAMAGUSTA - COMMISSION

[04] NATIONAL COUNCIL - MEETING

[01] LEADERS - LIMNITIS WORKS

Government Spokesman Stephanos Stephanou announced here Friday the participation of President Christofias in the ceremony.

President Christofias, Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat, the UN Secretary Generals Special Adviser on Cyprus Alexander Downer, and donors of the construction project, namely the USA and the EU, will be present at the ceremony, Stephanou said.

[02] SPOKESMAN - DIRECT TRADE

Commenting on press reports that EU Enlargement Commissioner Stefan Fule was intending to bring back the regulation on direct trade with the occupied areas for approval, after the Lisbon Treaty is endorsed, Stephanou said the government was in close cooperation with the Cypriot MEPs and noted that there was no reason for panic or unnecessary concern.

``It is not so simple for those who may wish to bring back the issue of direct trade in one way or another. The Republic of Cyprus has arguments and has made moves and is developing contacts in order to handle this issue,`` he pointed out.

Replying to questions, Stephanou said the government was not aware of any such intention on behalf of Fule and that Minister of Foreign Affairs Marcos Kyprianou, who met Fule a few days ago, clarified the Cypriot position that direct trace could not be accepted ``quite simply because there is an EU member state here and the member state should be asked about issues concerning it.``

[03] FAMAGUSTA - COMMISSION

Speaking at a press conference Friday, Galanos referred to the European Court of Human Rights decision that the commission constitutes an effective domestic remedy.

He said that it would be a mistake if Greek Cypriots were to resort to the commission at this stage, explaining that such a development could prove to be damaging for the prospects of a solution of the Cyprus problem, since it would give the impression that the Cyprus problem is a problem of compensation.

Our view is that it would be a mistake if Greek Cypriots resorted en masse to the so- called commission at this stage. We believe that such a development could possibly prove to be damaging for the solution of the Cyprus problem, since it would look as if the Cyprus question is a problem of compensation from Turkey, he said.

[04] NATIONAL COUNCIL - MEETING

Replying to a question regarding the possibility of a joint statement to be issued after the completion of the current round of negotiations on March 30, Stephanou said that the President has made it clear during his recent press conference that he would consult with the political parties on the issue during the Council meeting.

``The National Council will convene on April 7 and this issue will also be discussed,`` Stephanou said, adding ``one should not expect that a joint statement will be issued prior to April 7 or that there will be a joint statement at all. This is a matter to be discussed with the political parties.``

Stephanou also recalled the statement made by President Christofias both during the press conference and during statements after a meeting with the Greek Prime Minister in Athens, that he would not accept a joint statement that has the form of an interim agreement.

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