Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 10-05-04

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

CONTENTS

[01] GAROYIAN EU CYPRUS

[02] GAROYIAN ISRAEL OFFICIAL VISIT

[03] EPP PRESIDENT VISIT

[01] GAROYIAN EU CYPRUS

In his speech, Garoyian said that Cyprus is celebrating with the entire Europe the completion of 60 years since French Foreign Minister Robert Schuman set the foundations of todays EU.

Everything began on 9 May 1950 when Schuman felt the threat of a third World War that would eradicate Europe. He urged France, Germany and other European countries to unite their forces in the production of coal and steel, which were the foundations of military infrastructure, he added.

Stressing that todays Europe of peace, freedom, welfare and development also belongs to Cypriots, Garoyian said that every year, on 9 May, we celebrate with the other European peoples this unique peaceful co-existence, the continued enlargement of democracy, cooperation and unity.

He also said that with the ratification and implementation of the Lisbon Treat6, the EU will become more flexible, more democratic and stronger in the international arena and that the fundamental value of the EU is solidarity, which is especially important in times of crisis, like now.

Garoyian said all Europeans are united to handle the economic crisis and this solidarity creates a safety net for each and every-one of us.

Referring to the European Year to combat poverty and social exclusion, he said that poverty and the exclusion of an individual are tantamount to poverty of society in its entirety and now is the right moment to renew our commitment to solidarity, social justice and greater accession.

He pointed out that Cyprus looks to the solidarity of its partners in the EU for a solution of the Cyprus issue, based on the principles on which the EU was founded.

Cyprus, which marks six years since its EU accession, has been divided since 1974 when Turkish troops invaded and occupied the islands northern third. Peace talks are currently underway to reunite the country.

[02] GAROYIAN ISRAEL OFFICIAL VISIT

According to an official announcement, during the visit, the House President will be received by the President of Israel Shimon Perez.

He will hold separate meetings with the Speaker of the Knesset Rivlin, the Foreign Minister of the country Avidgor Liberman, the Minister of Social Affairs and Services Isaac Herzog, the Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem Theophilos as well as the Armenian Patriarch of Jerusalem Torkom Manoogian.

The House Speaker will also visit the Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial.

[03] EPP PRESIDENT VISIT

Martens, who will be received later today by President of the Republic of Cyprus Demetris Christofias, will hold a meeting earlier with President of the right wing Democratic Rally party Nicos Anastasiades, followed by statements to the press.

In the afternoon, the EPP President will be received by former President of the Republic Glafkos Clerides. In the evening, Martens will present his book ĞEurope: I struggle, I overcomeğ.

The presentation is organised by the Institute of European Democracy Glafkos Clerides and the Centre for European Studies in Brussels. The book will be presented by Rector of the University of Cyprus, Stavros Zenios.

Anastasiades and the President of the Institute of European Democracy Glafkos Clerides Katy Clerides will address the event.

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