Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 11-08-16

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

CONTENTS

[01] MORPHOU MUNICIPALITY - PETITION

[02] GDP - GROWTH RATE

[01] MORPHOU MUNICIPALITY - PETITION

Thanking the Mayor of Morphou for the petition, US Embassy official Jessica Adams said that we support you and the Republic of Cyprus in your efforts for unification in a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation."

Russian Ambassador in Nicosia Vyacheslav Shumskiy said that Russia, as a permanent member of the Security Council, will do its share in helping the Cypriot people to unite the country and we are working on that."

Unfortunately, he added, there are fifteen members of the Security Council with their own views but we are closely working with the Cypriot delegation in New York in order to achieve the just and viable solution of the problem."

I will send this petition to Moscow and make everything possible that it is given proper attention," he concluded.

In statements after handing over the petition to the two Embassies, Morphou Mayor Charalambos Pittas said that we stressed the fact that thirty seven years are too many,`` adding that ``at the same time through the petition we condemn the unacceptable and intransigent stance of Turkey during all these years as well as the unacceptable behaviour of Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan during his last illegal visit in Cyprus.

Erdogan questioned the existence of the Republic of Cyprus, warned the EU that its accession negotiations with Ankara would freeze if Cyprus assumes the Unions rotating presidency in July 2012 without a political settlement and ruled out the return of the Turkish occupied areas of Morphou and Karpass to the Greek Cypriots in an overall solution.

"We want for Turkey to face up to its responsibilities," Pittas said, expressing the view that UN Security Council members as well as the EU ought not to observe with indifference this behaviour but have a responsibility to do something about it.

Pittas also took the opportunity to call for the need for unity among the political leadership and the people of Cyprus, stating that common goals and aims are needed in order to resolve the Cyprus problem.

MEP Antigoni Papadoupoulou, AKEL MP Giorgos Loukaides and Green Party MP Giorgos Perdikis condemned Turkeys provocative stance and expressed the view that the UN Security Council members and the EU need to exert pressure on Turkey in order for it to become more constructive during the UN-led talks.

Papadopoulou also said that the international community should show its solidarity with Cyprus and put a stop to any threatening actions by Turkey in view of Cyprus intentions to drill for natural gas within the remit of its exclusive economic zone.

They all agreed that unity is necessary for the common national goal of finding a solution to the Cyprus problem.

The petition condemns the continued military occupation, forcible division, violation of human rights, massive colonization, cultural destruction, property usurpation and ethnic segregation imposed by Turkey in Cyprus.

Noting that the ongoing negotiations have not made the expected progress because of the intransigent attitude of Turkey," the petition adds that, irrespective of the course of negotiations, the Greek Cypriot side will continue to attend the talks with good will, sincerity and reasonable positions aiming at a solution acceptable by both sides."

It calls for a just, viable and functional solution which will terminate the occupation and colonization of Cyprus and will reunite the territory, the people, the institutions and the economy of the island in the framework of a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation.

It further calls on UN Security Council members to join us in our quest for justice and peace for ourselves and the future generations.

The petition will be handed over to all other Embassies of UN Security Council permanent members, the EU Representation in Cyprus, the President of the Republic and the President of House of Representatives.

[02] GDP - GROWTH RATE

Based on seasonally and working day adjusted data, GDP growth rate in real terms is estimated at 1.4%.

According to the Statistical Service, positive growth rates are recorded in the sectors of tourism, trade, banking and services (public administration, education, health and other services), while the secondary sector of the economy (construction, manufacturing) continues to present negative growth rates.

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