Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 10-11-09

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

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

CONTENTS

[01] SPOKESMAN POLITICAL LEADERS - COUNCIL

[02] PRESIDENT SLOVAKIA VISIT

[03] SPANISH MEP CYPRUS DIRECT TRADE

[04] ACHILLEOS ISSF RANKING

[01] SPOKESMAN POLITICAL LEADERS - COUNCIL

In statements after the meeting, Stephanou said that President Christofias informed the political leaders as regards his forthcoming meeting in New York with UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon and Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu. He added that a constructive discussion also took place during the meeting and there was co-understanding on various issues.

Responding to questions, the Spokesman said that we are all ready for the meeting in New York, adding that we are going there with very clear positions, which give responses to all issues.

He added that the New York meeting will take place in the framework of the process for a Cyprus settlement and the underway discussion, stressing that there will be no change in the process and we been crystal clear on the issues outlined now and in the past for arbitration and other such issues.

Invited to comment on an article by former British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw on the Cyprus question, Stephanou noted that Straw has referred to the acceptance of division.

Division is not a choice for us or for the UN and various international organizations as well as for the EU. There are resolutions, decisions by the UN, the EU and others, he stressed and added that Straws positions are fully in contrast with the Memorandum of Understanding signed between the Republic of Cyprus and the United Kingdom, which outlines the basis and the framework for a settlement of the Cyprus problem and refers to reunification on the basis of a bizonal, bicommunal federation and not for division

He also noted that if Straw opts for division then he must know that this means, according to the Establishment Treaty on the basis of which Britain attained two military bases in Cyprus, that Britain will not be able to retain these bases in Cyprus.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkish troops invaded and occupied 37% of its territory.

[02] PRESIDENT SLOVAKIA VISIT

According to an official announcement issued here Tuesday, President Christofias will be heading a delegation comprising the Minister of Foreign Affairs Markos Kyprianou, the Minister of Commerce, Industry and Tourism, Antonis Paschalides, Government Spokesman Stephanos Stephanou and government officials.

During his visit to Bratislava, President Christofias will be received by his Slovak counterpart Ivan Gasparovic, with whom he will have talks. He is also due to meet Slovak Prime Minister Iveta Radicova and President of the Slovak Parliament Richard Sulik. The President will address the Cyprus - Slovakia Business Forum, after which he will inaugurate the Cyprus embassy in Bratislava and will attend an official dinner given in his honour by the Slovak President.

[03] SPANISH MEP CYPRUS DIRECT TRADE

Hidalgo, a member of the EPs Legal Affairs Committee, is visiting Cyprus on the invitation of Social democrat Movement EDEK President Yiannakis Omirou. The European Parliament Committee on Legal Affairs approved on October 18th with 18 votes in favour, 5 against and 1 abstention the opinion of the Council Legal Service, that the legal basis of the regulation on direct trade between the EU and Cyprus Turkish occupied areas is wrong and that the proper legal basis is Article 1(2) of Protocol No 10 on Cyprus to the Treaty of Accession of April 2003.

Hidalgo said that being a lawyer for 40 years he is well aware of the importance of law and rules, adding that an illegal situation cannot be resolved if one does not combat the root of the problem.

[04] ACHILLEOS ISSF RANKING

Commenting on his third place in the world ranking, Achilleos said that is constitutes a great success, since the initial target of the year was to conclude the season among the first five in the world. The fact that I rank third shows that I am in a good shape and that it was a good season, he said.

In addition to this, Achilleos was voted the second most popular athlete from 7000 athletes participated in the Commonwealth Games, that took place in New Delhi last month.

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