Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 12-01-30

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

CONTENTS

[01] European Socialists say Cyprus Turkish occupation intolerable

[02] Less Cypriots travelled abroad in 2011, statistics show

[01] European Socialists say Cyprus Turkish occupation intolerable

The President of the Republic of Cyprus met Monday with Stanishev in Brussels, with whom he discussed developments in Cyprus talks and the forthcoming Cyprus EU Presidency.

The meeting took place just before a preparatory PES meeting, in view of the informal EU Summit.

The two men also exchanged views on issues of financial development and social cohesion in the EU, in light of the ongoing financial crisis and growing unemployment, especially among the youth.

President Christofias briefed Stanishev on the meeting that took place at Greentree, New York, earlier in January, upon the invitation of the UN Secretary-General, in the framework of efforts to reach a comprehensive Cyprus solution.

Christofias and Stanishev also agreed that Turkeys EU accession could never be completed prior to a Cyprus solution.

The President of the Republic also asked for PES support to the Cypriot Presidency of the European Council, due in the second term of 2012 and called for closer cooperation with the European Socialists, with Stanishev responding positively to both requests.

A particular reference was finally made by the PES leader on the need to strengthen social cohesion within the EU, a priority expected to be highlighted during Cyprus EU Presidency.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkish troops invaded and occupied its northern third.

Peace talks are currently underway to find a negotiated settlement that will reunite the country, under a federal roof.

The UN Secretary General met with President of the Republic Demetris Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu for the fifth time in January 2012, in Greentree, New York, inviting both sides to make decisive moves in the negotiation chapters of governance, property and citizenship, although, as he remarked, limited progress was achieved.

[02] Less Cypriots travelled abroad in 2011, statistics show

On the basis of the results of the Passengers Survey, for the period January December 2011, 1.208.899 residents of Cyprus returned from a trip abroad compared to 1.246.378 in the corresponding period last year recording a decrease of 3,0%.

In January - December 2011 there was a decrease of 7,8% on the trips of residents to Greece (395.045 in period January December 2011 compared to 428.686 in period January December 2010).

A total of 81.890 residents of Cyprus returned from a trip abroad in December 2011 compared to 89.228 in the corresponding month last year recording a decrease of 8,2%.

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