Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 11-07-31

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

CONTENTS

[01] PRESIDENT - UNITY

[02] PRESIDENT - GAROYIAN - MEETING

[03] OMIROU - NAVAL BLAST - CYPRUS ISSUE

[04] SPOKESMAN - CYPRUS ISSUE - ARCHBISHOP MAKARIOS

[01] PRESIDENT - UNITY

Speaking to the press after the memorial service held for the first President of Cyprus, the late Archbishop Makarios III, President Christofias reminded all of the advices and guidance of the late Archbishop.

Unity wanted, President said, following a ceremony at the tomb of Archbishop Makarios where he laid a wreath, underlining that the most important lesson and advice we must draw from him at these really crucial moments, is the need for unity.

Replying to a question where him and DIKO leader reached an agreement for a reformed government, during last nights meeting, President said today we pay tribute to Archbishop Makarios.

[02] PRESIDENT - GAROYIAN - MEETING

Speaking to the press after the meeting, which lasted two hours, Garoyan said that these meetings are not just customary , they include all the core issues of the coalition, issues related to citizens and society and to our country.

Garoyan said with President Christofias they discussed in detail and extensively a lot of issues , adding that he agreed with Presidents suggestion to continue the talks in the next few days. He clarified that no names were discussed for the governments reshuffle, as some would have imagined. Replying to a question, DIKO leader said that AKELs leader will not be present at our next meeting as well.

President Christofias and DIKO leader began talks last Thursday with regards to the future of the government coalition, in view of a cabinet reform.

Last Thursday President of the Republic President of the Republic asked all Ministers to tender in their resignations.

The following day DIKO President announced five steps to help the government make a new start, following the massive explosion at the ``Evaggelos Florakis`` naval base which killed 13 persons. The blast badly damaged the islands main power plant, at Vasiliko, resulting in daily power cuts.

The blast occurred in containers, full of munitions, which Cyprus had confiscated from ``Monchegorsk``, a vessel sailing from Iran to Syria in 2009. Nicosia was acting in accordance with UN sanctions against Teheran.

The Democratic Party participated in the 11-member government of Demetris Christofias with three Ministers, along with left wing party AKEL.

[03] OMIROU - NAVAL BLAST - CYPRUS ISSUE

Thirteen people were killed and dozens were injured when a massive explosion occurred at the naval base, Evangelos Florakis, near Limassol, on the southern coast, in the early hours of July 11th. The blast badly damaged the islands main power plant, at Vasiliko, resulting in daily power cuts. A one-man investigation commission, set up by the government, is already examining the circumstances that have led to the massive explosion.

Speaking at a memorial service for Policeman Andreas Michaelides who lost his live during the 1974 military coup in Cyprus, House President also referred to the Cyprus problem, noting that there is an imperious necessity to change our tactic and strategy in the negotiations.

Omirou said that UN Secretary Generals statements after the meeting with President of the Republic and Turkish Cypriot leader in Geneva on July 7th, ``relay to deadlines and indirect arbitration``. House President denounced Ankaras intransigence and unacceptable stance on the Cyprus problem, noting that her tactic violates democratic principles, the UN resolutions and UN Chart.

[04] SPOKESMAN - CYPRUS ISSUE - ARCHBISHOP MAKARIOS

Addressing the memorial service for the first President of the Republic, the late Archbishop Makarios III, Spokesman said that Presidents strategy is based on principles and pragmatism.

Stephanou said that bizonal bicommunal federation is the agreed basis for solution between the Greek Cypriot and the Turkish Cypriot sides since 1977 , adding that there must be no wishful thinking on that. All Presidents of the Republic proceeded with negotiations on the basis of this solution and this is what President Christofias does as well, Spokesman said, noting that moving away from a federal solution, will lead to abandonment of all UN Resolutions on which we base our efforts and therefore our struggle will be harmed. Furthermore, he said, this will give the Turkish side the opportunity to cease responsibility and put forward a solution of two separate states in Cyprus.

Stephanou also referred to life and work of Makarios III and noted that ``we bear the responsibility to justify Cyprus and our people, we bear the responsibility towards those who left and the younger generations to liberate and reunify our homeland.``

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