Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 11-05-20

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

CONTENTS

[01] LEADERS UNSG MEETING

[02] PRESIDENT SPORTS VIOLENCE

[01] LEADERS UNSG MEETING

The decision was finalized Thursday and it will be soon officially announced by the United Nations.

Meanwhile, Government Spokesman Stephanos Stephanou said on Thursday that demands to withdraw proposals in talks for a solution of the Cyprus problem are politically wrong and dangerous for the Greek Cypriot side, adding that it is also unheard of to hold referenda on separate provisions of a settlement.

Stephanou noted that the Greek Cypriot side accepted the rotating presidency in 2002, and negotiated it from 2002 until 2004.

``The President of the Republic, finding these facts before him, submitted an improved proposal for the rotating presidency,`` Stephanou said.

He also noted that ``the position for the immediate withdrawal of proposals is politically wrong and dangerous for the Greek Cypriot side`` and that ``such an action would expose our side to the international community and would provide a unique opportunity to the Turkish side to appear as willing for a solution.``

Stephanou pointed out that ``the negotiations are being held on the principle that nothing is considered agreed until everything is agreed,`` adding that ``the negotiations are an open and continuous process.``

Referring to positions concerning referenda, Stephanou said ``it is unheard of to hold referenda on separate provisions of a settlement.``

``This position is practically unfeasible, leads to the reasoning of approving a solution in fragments and opposes the fundamental position of the Greek Cypriot side for the approval of a comprehensive solution at separate and simultaneous referenda, and indeed this proposed solution should be agreed on, should be the product of dialogue and not arbitration and pressing timetables,`` he said.

[02] PRESIDENT SPORTS VIOLENCE

Addressing the annual celebration of the Football Association in Nicosia, the President expressed hope that measures would be taken by all involved parties to curb violence. ``Football is called the king of all sports. Of course, many times this king is dethroned and humiliated due to violence and hooliganism, which unfortunately has passed into our country, into our football pitches,`` he said.

He noted that he would have liked to watch football matches but avoids going to the stadium because of the violence. President Christofias furthermore congratulated the four football teams that would be participating in European events, wishing them every success, and praised all Cypriot athletes for their international achievements.

He also assured that the government, despite the problems, was trying to show understanding and embrace football and all sports, which cultivate health, adding that sports are culture and should be promoted as such.

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