Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 11-01-12

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

CONTENTS

[01] CHRISTOFIAS - MEETING WITH EROGLU

[02] MERKEL - CYPRUS

[03] PRESIDENT - MERKEL

[04] BARROSO - DIRECT TRADE

[01] CHRISTOFIAS - MEETING WITH EROGLU

He said ``the meeting was brief`` and that Eroglu ``has submitted some views on the issue of governance and power sharing,`` with which one cannot be easily excited.

``The views were such that we need to study them. I will not make a statement now on Mr. Eroglu`s views. This will happen later. In any case, they are not views for someone to be easily excited about,`` he pointed out.

He added that ``from thereon, we will also table some documents and comments on previous positions of the Turkish Cypriot side on various issues concerning governance, and also the guarantees and other issues, to which a short reference was made, in any case, because the issue of guarantees and the treaty of alliance have not yet been discussed,`` noting that ``these documents will be exchanged.``

President Christofias said that he would be meeting Eroglu on January 21, the last meeting before they meet with the UN Secretary General in Geneva on January 26, adding that meetings between their aides have been set.

Asked if Wednesday`s meeting was a step backwards in the issue of governance, President Christofias said he did not wish to make a statement currently. ``In any case, I am very troubled,`` he added.

[02] MERKEL - CYPRUS

Asked to comment whether Cyprus occupation by Turkey is compatible with the countrys EU accession, Merkel, speaking trough an interpreter, said that we are aware of the existing difficulties and this is the reason why we placed so many restrictions in the accession negotiations.

As long as Turkey is not implementing the Ankara Protocol, no negotiating chapters can be closed or have been closed. Moreover, there are eight chapters that can not even open she said.

Merkel also added that emotionally, she is aware of what a countrys division means, but said that she doubted the German reunification model could be implemented in Cyprus, due to the many existing differences. She said, however, that the German experience could prove valuable, once negotiations mature.

[03] PRESIDENT - MERKEL

Speaking to the press, following a meeting with the German Chancellor in Nicosia, President Christofias said that the Cyprus government very much believes that Germanys support will be based on principles.

He reaffirmed Greek Cypriot sides willingness for a solution, provided that it will respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Cyprus and human rights and freedoms of all its people.

In his opening remarks, President thanked Merkel for her interest and feelings of friendship towards the Cypriot state and its leadership, adding that it is with feelings of deep appreciation and friendship that we welcome Chancellor Merkel to Cyprus.

[04] BARROSO - DIRECT TRADE

Responding to a question posed by Cypriot MEP Eleni Theocharous, Barroso says he takes note of the European Parliaments Legal Affairs Committee decision.

It should be noted that the aforementioned decision is based on the European Parliament Legal Service opinion and supports that the regulations legal base, article 307 (2), is incorrect, since it regards the occupied territories of Cyprus a third country, under accession to the EU. The EP decision stipulates, however, that, according to Protocol 10, the Republic of Cyprus has entered the EU in its entirety, with the EU acquis suspended in the northern part of the island, due to the prevailing condition, i.e. Turkeys occupation.

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