Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 10-06-26

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

CONTENTS

[01] SPOKESMAN - DIRECT TALKS

[02] MINISTER - QATAR

[03] ``SANTIAGO`` - SAILED

[01] SPOKESMAN - DIRECT TALKS

Referring to statements by Presidential Commissioner George Iacovou in an interview he gave at www.theparliament.com, Stephanou noted that Iacovous reference to the Turkish Cypriot demand for two economies and two foreign policies`` in Cyprus does not concern the current negotiations between Cyprus President Demetris Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu since these issues have not yet been discussed by the two leaders.

He noted that the report posted on the website regarding Iacovous statements is a short summary of a long conversation which Iacovou had with the journalist who interviewed him.

Stephanou recalled that Christofias and Eroglu are currently discussing the property issue, and noted that what Iacovou stressed in his interview is that during the whole course of the negotiations, which began on September 3, 2008, there have been difficulties and obstacles, as well as steps forward and some progress.

Despite these obstacles, as Iacovou said, the Greek Cypriot side will continue efforts for a settlement the soonest possible in the framework of a bizonal, bicommunal federation, in the framework of the agreed basis and on the basis of the UN resolutions, the international and the European law and certainly of the high level agreements of 1977 and 1979, Stephanou added.

Stephanou said that it must be stressed that the issues of the governance and the economy have not yet been discussed by Christofias and Eroglu.

Referring to the issue of property, he recalled that President Christofias and former Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat had agreed on the principle that the owner is the one who retains ownership since 1964 but the Greek Cypriot side wants the owner to have the first say in his property, while the Turkish Cypriot side wants the user of the property to have the first say.

Asked about the positions expressed so far by Eroglu on the property issue and if these show that there might be a deadlock, Stephanou recalled that Christofias and Eroglu have only had two meetings so far in the framework of the direct negotiations, noting that no assessments have been made so far, even though Eroglus positions were well known before the resumption of the negotiations.

[02] MINISTER - QATAR

Addressing the opening ceremony of a Wine Festival and Business Exhibition 2010 organized in London, Paschalides pointed out that the deal will have ``direct and indirect multiplying effects on the Cypriot economy.``

According to Paschalides, the United Kingdom traditionally constitutes the biggest market for Cypriot products and services. ``The government aims to further improve our competitiveness and to increase our share in the market,`` he added.

Paschalides said his Ministry`s policy priorities include the support of industry, the promotion of entrepreneurship and attraction of investments, adding that big importance is given on the promotion of services offered by Cyprus, which are of high level and are very favourably compared with services other countries are offering.

Regarding Tourism, Paschalides said that 2010 will be another difficult year with many peculiarities, adding that the government pays special attention to big infrastructure projects which pay a substantive role in improving Cyprus tourist product.

Referring to the Cypriot winemaking industry, Paschalides said that in times of international financial crisis and strong competition collective effort, determination, responsibility and quality is needed.

He added that the sector has utilized to the highest level all available funding, to upgrade and modernise the wineries located at the heart of Cypriot vineyards.

``The progress achieved is confirmed from the numerous international awards, secured by Cypriot wines and Commandaria in foreign markets, an element which is very promising for a successful export effort,`` he concluded.

[03] ``SANTIAGO`` - SAILED

The Antigua and Barbuda flagged vessel has been detained in Cyprus since June 11.

Commerce, Industry and Tourism Minister Antonis Paschalides said on Friday that the government issued the export permit for the military equipment on board the ship.

Furthermore, he announced that the explosives on the vessel can be exported to Sudan, as the competent authorities have verified that no export permit is required for this type of material.

Asked about compensation Sudan is seeking from Cyprus for the detention of the ship, Paschalides said that Cyprus as an EU member has to follow this procedure in a responsible way and be certain firstly about the validity of certain documents and secondly, about their legality.

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