Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 10-04-02

Cyprus News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

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

CONTENTS

[01] COUNCIL OF MINISTERS - PUBLIC SECTOR - CUTS

[02] GOVERNMENT - DIRECT TRADE

[03] STATE DEPARTMENT - JOINT STATEMENT

[01] COUNCIL OF MINISTERS - PUBLIC SECTOR - CUTS

The Cabinet convened during an extraordinary meeting under President of the Republic of Cyprus Demetris Christofias and discussed about the reduction of operational expenses in addition to the reduction foreseen in the state budget of 2010, on the basis of a plan, prepared by the Ministry of Finance.

Government Spokesman Stephanos Stephanou told reporters after the meeting that until the end of 2011, 150 million euro will be saved.

We decided further reductions of operational expenses of 150 million euro until 2011. For 2010 we decided to cut operational expenses by 60 million euro, and by 90 million euro in 2011. So, in total, 150 million euro in two years, he said.

The decision falls within the framework of the governments policy to reduce the cost of the public sector, he said.

Stephanou noted that all Ministries will do cutbacks and explained that reduction of costs does not include development projects.

[02] GOVERNMENT - DIRECT TRADE

Replying to questions after the meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers, Stephanou said that the government is very active and makes steps on the basis of arguments to deal with any intentions to bring back to the surface the issue of direct trade.

Our position on the matter is very well known, he went on to say.

He also said that during its next meeting, the National Council, the top advisory body to the President on the handling to the Cyprus problem, will discuss about the course of the UN led Cyprus talks.

He added that the National Council, that will convene on April 7, will also discuss about the forthcoming visit of Greek Premier George Papandreou to the island.

[03] STATE DEPARTMENT - JOINT STATEMENT

Invited to comment on the joint statement issued by the leaders of the two communities in Cyprus, Cypriot President Demetris Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat, a State Department official said that as the leaders take a break in the negotiations, we want to take this opportunity to reiterate our support for their courageous efforts to find a solution.

We were encouraged to hear this week that the leaders have made important progress on EU matters and the economy, in addition to their earlier convergences in governance and power-sharing. The two leaders have shown great courage in pursuing these negotiations, and what they have achieved is significant, he added.

The State Department official noted that President Obama has made clear our support for a just and lasting settlement that reunifies the island into a bi-zonal and bi-communal federation.

We support the leaders of both Cypriot communities in their ongoing efforts to reach a settlement under the auspices of the United Nations Secretary-Generals Good Offices Mission under Alexander Downer, he went on to add.

Cyprus News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article