Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 10-09-06

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

CONTENTS

[01] CHRISTOFIAS GREECE CELEBRATIONS

[02] SPOKESMAN CYPRUS ISSUE

[03] LA FRANCOPHONIE FOREIGN MINISTRY - MEMORANDUM

[04] TURKISH CYPRIOTS HALA SULTAN TEKKE

[01] CHRISTOFIAS GREECE CELEBRATIONS

He was speaking in Athens where he attended the Nepheles by Aristophanes performed yesterday at the Herod Atticus Odeon as part of celebrations to mark the 50th anniversary of the Republic of Cyprus, at the presence of Carolos Papoulias, President of the Hellenic Republic.

President Christofias thanked all the Greek governments and the Greek people for the solidarity and the support to Cyprus` struggle for independence, for which ``we still strive.``

``I am sure that in the end that understanding and tolerance will prevail in Cyprus,`` he added.

Concluding, the President, expressed hope for unity of the people of Cyprus, the state and its institutions so that ``Cyprus will become a bridge of peace, friendship and cooperation among the peoples of the region, a bridge between the EU, the friendly Arab peoples and Israel.``

[02] SPOKESMAN CYPRUS ISSUE

Invited to comment on press reports that the UN Secretary Generals Special Adviser Alexander Downer reportedly told his associates that he will know on Friday whether the Cyprus issue can be solved, Stephanou replied we must wait.

In statements at Pervolia village of Larnaca district, Stephanou remarked that the Cyprus issue is not an easy issue to solve and I think this has been proven over the years.

[03] LA FRANCOPHONIE FOREIGN MINISTRY - MEMORANDUM

The programme is running in cooperation with the International Organisation of La Francophonie and the relevant documents of renewal were signed today at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The programme, entitled The French Language in the European Union, is already being implemented since 2007 and during the past year, almost 100 public servants have been trained.

According to the Minister of Foreign Affairs Markos Kyprianou, the memorandum for training is important as Cyprus prepares to assume the EU Presidency, in 2012. The programme will involve additional courses for Public Service employees who will have an active involvement during the Presidency. The memorandum for the renewal of the programme was signed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs on behalf of the Republic of Cyprus, the Ambassador of France Jean-Marc Rives, the Ambassador of Belgium Guy Sevrin on behalf of his countrys French-speaking community, while the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg is also a contracting member.

[04] TURKISH CYPRIOTS HALA SULTAN TEKKE

Sakir, the imam of the mosque for the last two years, stated that this holy night of prayer, or the night of strength as it is also known, is being celebrated as part of the religious festivities of Ramadan, the holy month of Muslims.

Many Turkish Cypriots arrived at the shrine earlier on Sunday, using their private vehicles. When the prayer was concluded, they broke their fast with a meal after sunset. The main prayer started at 19.30 and was concluded at around 23.00.

The T/C pilgrims returned to the occupied areas by bus, escorted by a strong police force.

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