Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 11-01-20

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

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

CONTENTS

[01] PRESIDENT - CYPRUS ISSUE

[02] PISSARIDES - RATINGS

[03] CYPRUS - SPORTS PLAN

[04] POLICE - ACCIDENTS

[01] PRESIDENT - CYPRUS ISSUE

Referring to the meeting to be held in Geneva on the 26th of January between himself, the Turkish Cypriot leader and UNSG Ban Ki moon, President Christofias expressed hope that the Turkish Cypriot side will respond accordingly.

We hope to have the necessary respond from the other side, so that to be able to examine in a substantive and creative manner, all chapters of the Cyprus issue, to reach further convergences and find the core issues that need to be resolved, as we have been asked by the UNSG in the light of the Geneva meeting, he stressed.

In a speech at the memorial service of Archbishop Makarios III, read out by Government Spokesman Stephanos Stephanou, President Christofias stressed that the Greek Cypriot side is submitting proposals on the negotiating table, which prove in deeds its determination to reach a solution.

The solution in Cyprus, he stressed, must be found on the basis of a bizonal, bicommunal federation with political equality, as defined by the relevant UN Security Council resolutions and must provide for a state with one and only sovereignty, international personality and citizenship.

We are ready for a compromise but no compromise with the occupation, the division or the logic of two states in Cyprus, he stressed.

We are ready for a compromise that will truly reunify our homeland and our people, our institutions and our economy, he went on to note.

President Christofias reassured that this remains our steadfast strategic goal, saying that we will continue our efforts on the negotiating table for a positive outcome despite all difficulties we face.

``We will continue, he underlined, our struggle for reunification, reconciliation and our struggle to free our country from the Turkish occupation.

Referring to the 1977 High Level Agreement between then Cypriot President Makarios III and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash for a bizonal, bicommunal federation, he said that it was a compromise for the Greek Cypriot side. He added that Makarios signed the agreement believing that this was the only possible way to reunify the country and avoid its division.

Today, we continue on the same course, firmly believing that the basis set by Makarios is the only way out to avoid the final division of our homeland, he pointed out.

He reiterated that we are committed to principles and to a solution that will end the Turkish occupation and Ankaras policy of illegally bringing settlers to the island, a solution that will restore and safeguard human rights and fundamental freedoms of our people, Greek Cypriots, Turkish Cypriots, Maronites, Armenians, and Latins.

The liberation and reunification of our homeland and our people is the best memorial service we could ever do for the late Archbishop Makarios III, he concluded.

[02] PISSARIDES - RATINGS

Pissarides who was speaking in a Press conference said that in his view, credit ratings agencies ought not to be taken so seriously, adding however that the markets follow their ratings and give them credibility.

If for example, he said, a credit rating agency announces that it will monitor the situation in a certain country stating that it is not certain whether there are negative developments, it works like a self fulfilling prophecy and in the end problems arise in that country because of the reaction following the announcement.

However, Pissarides said the Government should take serious note of the recent credit rating agency warnings about Cyprus, noting that it has been said that one of the reasons behind these warnings is Cyprus close economic ties with Greece as far as the banking system is concerned, something which, as he said, we can do nothing about.

[03] CYPRUS - SPORTS PLAN

Chairman of the Cyprus Sports Organisation Nicos Kartakoullis said the effort for the strategic plan for sports in Cyprus for 2020 is currently underway, adding that the first plan has been drafted and that ``we are at the final stage.``

``Some additions are being made and, for presentation purposes, some small amendments, but it is something very important because the strategic development of Cyprus` sports for the next ten years is determined,`` he said.

Kartakoullis said the plan includes specific pylons with specific purposes and aims, which must be implemented over the next years, and that preparations are being made to present the plan in the near future.

[04] POLICE - ACCIDENTS

Speaking on Wednesday at a press conference, Papageorgiou also said that 2010 has been the year with the lowest number of seriously injured as a result of road accidents.

In 2010, fatal road accidents have been reduced by eight in comparison to 2009 and deaths by eleven, he said.

He also noted that in 2010 there was a reduction by 9.12% regarding serious injuries from road accidents, in comparison to 2009.

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