Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 11-06-17

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

CONTENTS

[01] SPOKESMAN CYPRUS TALKS

[02] CYPRUS JORDAN FM MEETING

[03] CABINET MINISTRIES

[04] HOUSE DELEGATION PACE

[01] SPOKESMAN CYPRUS TALKS

Commenting on statements that Eroglu made on Thursday after the meeting in the framework of the direct talks, Stephanou, speaking after the Cabinet meeting, said the Greek Cypriot side could have made statements about the contents of the negotiations, about which Eroglu would not be happy.

We are not happy with the contents of the negotiations, Stephanou said, adding that if there was constructive attitude by all, with dedication to the agreed basis towards a bizonal, bicommunal federation, then there would have been bigger progress.

He said the Greek Cypriot side would not make similar statements since it wishes to continue the constructive stance, which President of the Republic Demetris Christofias maintains on the negotiating table so that there is mutual respect.

In addition, he said the Greek Cypriot side wants to help the negotiations to continue to reach a mutually agreed solution to the Cyprus issue, in the framework of the agreed basis, which is the bizonal, bicommunal federation.

Asked if developments in Greece undermine the Greek Cypriot sides position in view of the Geneva meeting next month with the UN Secretary-General, Stephanou replied, Surely not.

The meeting with the SC, he added, has to do with the course of the Cyprus problem, adding that a bicommunal dialogue is in progress.

The President, he said, maintains a constructive stance on the negotiating table which is consistent with the principles of a solution to the Cyprus issue, as these are defined in UN resolutions, the principles of international and EU law and the High level agreements of 1977-79.

He further added that President Christofias is undertaking initiatives since there is a real desire to find a solution to the Cyprus issue the soonest possible.

UN-backed direct negotiations for a solution to the Cyprus problem began in September 2008. Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third.

[02] CYPRUS JORDAN FM MEETING

Kyprianou and Juddeh signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Bilateral Political Consultations. Speaking to the Press, both Ministers stressed the close cooperation of Cyprus and Jordan in several areas, pointing out however that there is always room for improvement especially in the fields of trade and tourism.

The Cypriot FM welcomed Jordan`s principle position, based on international low, regarding the solution of Cyprus problem. Cyprus, as a member of the EU strongly supports the relations with Jordan and we will try to be as active as possible in developing and strengthening these relations, he said.

Cyprus and Jordan have a similar position regarding the Palestinian issue and as Cypriot FM said, they support a solution with the creation of two states, a sovereign and independent Palestinian state based on the borders of 1967, while they also wish for the resumption of the negotiations as soon as possible. Cyprus hopes that the Palestinian reconciliation will facilitate the resumption of the negotiations.

On his part, the Jordanian FM stressed that the two countries maintained excellent relations for many decades, which were built during Archbishops Makarios Presidency with King Hussein of Jordan and continue to be developed now by the Government of the Republic of Cyprus and King Abdullah.

Jordan is grateful to Cyprus for its support at the discussions with the EU for an advanced status, he added. Your support was valuable and much appreciated. We hope that in the future this advanced status will allow cooperation with the EU and moreover on bilateral level, he said.

[03] CABINET MINISTRIES

Speaking after the Council of Ministers, at the Presidential Palace, Stephanou said that the Council has been briefed by the Minister of Finance on the course of state expenditure in the context of a regular briefing and discussion on the course of budget implementation.

Asked if the decision is related to media reports on ministries` spending cuts in an effort to save 500 million euro, Spokesman replied that the budget, approved by the House of Representatives, provides for specific spending, adding that it is ``very natural and responsible`` on behalf of the Government, especially in conditions of financial crisis, to continue monitoring the course of expenditure.

He said that a briefing on expenditure for each ministry and service took place today in comparison with what is forecasted in the budget so that relative adjustments to be made if necessary, in order to stay within the budget.

[04] HOUSE DELEGATION PACE

According to an official announcement, during the session, a resolution on the report of Christos Pourgourides, Chairman of the Committee on Legal Affairs and Human Rights, is expected to be adopted. The report concerns the role of national parliaments in the consolidation and development of social rights in Europe.

In addition, during the session the support for fledgling Arab democracies will be discussed and a debate will take place on sharing responsibilities for asylum seekers and refugees in Europe, and on the interception and rescue at sea of asylum seekers, refugees and irregular migrants.

The PACE Session will address, inter alia, the Ukraine President Viktor Yanukovych, Armenia President Serzh Sargsyan and the President of the Palestinian Authority Mahmoud Abbas.

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