Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 12-02-06

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

CONTENTS

[01] Īmirou: Appreciation for Australias support

[02] Hospitals in Cyprus and England sign agreement in pediatrics

[01] Īmirou: Appreciation for Australias support

Omirou, heading an inter-party delegation of the Cyprus House of Representatives, while on an official visit to Australia, addressed this evening (local time) members of the Cypriot and Greek communities of Melbourne.

Omirou also praised the members of the community for their contribution in the effort to restitute the fundamental freedoms and human rights of the Cypriot people, adding that they are a valuable part of the wider Greek Cypriot community.

Speaking on developments concerning the Cyprus issue, Omirou said Turkeys intransigent stance was intensifying, a fact which, he noted, also became obvious during the last meeting at Greentree, New York, between Cyprus President, the UN Secretary-General and the Turkish Cypriot leader.

Omirou said that Ankara has yet to fulfill its obligations towards Cyprus, by recognizing the Republic of Cyprus, permitting Cypriot vessels and aircrafts to use the Turkish waters and airspace, and by working towards a Cyprus solution, based on EU principles.

Moreover, he noted Turkeys provocative stance vis-a-vis the upcoming Cyprus Presidency of the European Council during the second half of 2012. EU partners should send a message to Ankara, making clear that this cannot be tolerated, Omirou said.

He added that the Cyprus EU Presidency is a major challenge for the Republic, and noted that the state, the Parliament and the civil society are all working towards this aim.

Having all lights turned on Cyprus during the six-month Presidency term will also help raise awareness on the Turkish occupation of part of the country, Omirou went on.

Concerning the recent discovery of hydrocarbon resources in Cyprus Exclusive Economic Zone, Omirou said it was turning the odds in favor of Cyprus, adding to the islands geostrategic importance, with possible positive repercussions for a Cyprus solution.

While responding to questions by members of Melbournes Cypriot Community, the House President noted that all parliamentary parties in Cyprus were struggling for attaining unity in the domestic front, and for reaching consensus, to the extend possible, as regards the Cyprus problem.

On the recent criticism towards Alexander Downer, the UN SG Special Advisor on Cyprus and an Australian native, Omirou clarified that the issue should not be confused with Australias continuous support to the Republic of Cyprus, based on the UN Charter, Security Council resolutions and European law.

Downer recently came under severe criticism for saying that the Greek Cypriots instead of the Republic of Cyprus a fully-fledged EU member since 2004 - will hold the six monthly rotating presidency of the EU Council, in the second half of 2012. Downer has since rectified his remarks.

The House of Representatives recently passed a resolution, stressing its grave concern and disappointment over the unacceptable statements and actions of the Special Advisor, following the Greentree meeting last January, and noted that Downer had compromised the credibility and impartiality required by his role.

Omirou said that Downer, in his capacity as a UN top envoy in Cyprus, was not representing the Australian government. The House resolution, he went on, was aiming to send a message to the UN Secretary-General to address the issue.

Omirou and the House delegation ware welcomed by a crowd of Melbournes and Victorias Cypriot and Greek communities, in the presence of High Commissioner of the Republic Yiannis Iacovou, Australian MP Maria Vamvakinou and others.

Earlier, the President of the House and the delegation visited the Grace of Mary elderly hostel, in Epping and met with Cypriots from Melbournes northern suburbs. In commemorating the House delegation visit, Omirou planted an olive tree in the charitable establishments forecourt.

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 Ban Ki-moon 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. In his statements, following the meeting, Ban said limited progress was achieved and invited both sides to make decisive moves in the negotiation chapters of governance, property and citizenship.

[02] Hospitals in Cyprus and England sign agreement in pediatrics

Cypriot Minister of Health Stavros Malas, who was present at the ceremony, said Cyprus, as a small country, must have high quality medical treatment, given the low number of cases, and must expand its cooperation with specialised centres abroad.

He said Monday`s agreement paves the way for similar cooperation for adults, adding that it was also necessary to create telemedicine infrastructure.

Senior Executive Director of King`s College Hospital Alastair Baker said the signing of the Memorandum would secure the continuous cooperation between the two hospitals, adding that this cooperation was the key to developing the services the children in Cyprus deserve.

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