Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 11-01-19

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

CONTENTS

[01] GREEK PRESIDENT - CYPRUS PROBLEM

[02] US DIPLOMAT - CYPRUS VISIT

[01] GREEK PRESIDENT - CYPRUS PROBLEM

In his toast, at the official dinner in honour of the President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan, President Papaoulias noted that the Cyprus problem constitutes a substantial obstacle in relations between the EU and Turkey.

He said a solution to the Cyprus issue must be viable and functional and must implement the relevant UN Security Council decisions. It should be completely in line with the acquis communautaire, respect human rights and provide for the withdrawal of all foreign troops from Cyprus, the President stressed.

Papoulias further said that the Republic of Cyprus is a factor of stability in the wider region. And all indications suggest that it will be declared a major player in the energy issues of the wider region, Papoulias added.

The Greek President said that by declaring its own Exclusive Economic Zone and making agreements with neighbouring countries to delineate its EEZ, Cyprus is exercising its rights and strengthens its geopolitical position, he concluded.

Cyprus is working with a view to announcing its strategic supplier of natural gas to be used as the main means of power generation.

The Republic of Cyprus, which became a full EU member state in 2004, is divided since 1974, when Turkish troops invaded and since then occupy 37% of its territory. Peace talks are currently underway between Cyprus President Demetris Christofias and the leader of the Turkish Cypriot community Dervis Eroglu, to find a negotiated settlement that would reunite the country under a federal roof.

[02] US DIPLOMAT - CYPRUS VISIT

He will also meet with the UN Secretary General`s special adviser on Cyprus Alexander Downer.

Asked about the reason of Gordon`s visit and if the United States is going to send a coordinator to participate in the talks on Cyprus in Geneva later this month, State Department Spokesman Philip Crowley said ``we are focused on the situation in Cyprus. We`ve been engaged, you know, since the Obama Administration came to office on this. We`ve had discussions here in Washington, but this was a good time for Assistant Secretary Gordon to see the situation on the ground firsthand.``

He said that Gordon`s visit to Cyprus ``is an opportunity to speak directly to the leaders of the two communities, their advisors. He will meet with UN Secretary-General Special Adviser Downer and his team, you know, but reiterate our support for their efforts to reach a solution that will reunite the island as a bizonal, bicommunal federation.``

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