Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 12-03-05

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

CONTENTS

[01] Cypriot Spokesman describes Bagis’ remarks as cynical, arrogant

[02] Cyprus and France carry out aeronautical search and rescue exercise

[03] FM discusses Cyprus issue and hydrocarbons in Oslo

[04] Minister: Integration of immigrants, a priority for Cyprus`

EU presidency

[01] Cypriot Spokesman describes Bagis’ remarks as cynical, arrogant

In a written statement, issued Monday, Stephanou said Bagis’ remarks in an interview with “Kibris” newspaper in London that Turkey would consider annexing the occupied north of Cyprus if talks between Greek and Turkish Cypriots failed to reach a deal on reunification of the island, were contrary to UN resolutions.

Bagis’ remarks about “three options on the table regarding the Cyprus issue are cynical, arrogant and provocative”, the Spokesman said.

At the same time, they are insulting towards the Turkish Cypriot community”, he said, adding that “these statements reveal that with its negative attitude, Turkey is aiming to promote partition and to create two separate states in Cyprus”.

In his interview to Kibris, Bagis talked about a reunification under a deal that (the two) leaders could reach, creation of two independent states after an agreement between the two leaders if they are unable to reach a deal for reunification, or annexation of the illegal regime in the Turkish occupied north of Cyprus to Turkey.

Stephanou further said statements which Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu recently made were of similar nature.

The Spokesman noted that “partition is not only categorically rejected by the international community” but it is also neither a solution for Greek Cypriots nor Turkish Cypriots whose survival is in danger by the illegal presence of Turkey on the island.

He further said that Bagis’ remarks that Turkey would annex the occupied areas of Cyprus “were in direct contradiction with UN resolutions”.

The international community, he added, “is urged to exert its influence on Turkey which should respect the UN resolutions on Cyprus and work towards a solution”.

Stephanou said that for the Greek Cypriot side, there is only one option on the negotiating table. “The option of a solution to the Cyprus issue on the basis of bizonal, bicommunal federation, with political equality, as prescribed in relevant UN resolutions. A solution that will end the occupation and settlement, will reunite the country and the people, Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots, in the framework of a single sovereignty, citizenship and international identity”.

To achieve such a solution, he added, the “Greek Cypriot side will continue to work with consistency on principles and to exhibit a constructive spirit and good will”.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. The leaders of the two communities in Cyprus are currently engaged in UN-led negotiations with an aim to reunify the island.

[02] Cyprus and France carry out aeronautical search and rescue exercise

The exercise was coordinated by the Coordination Centre for Search and Rescue of the Republic of Cyprus.

In a statement, Defence Minister Demetris Eliades said that the exercise was crowned with success adding that it was the first time such an exercise of such an extent takes place.

The exercise was carried out in the morning and lasted four hours. Cyprus participated in the exercise with two ships and two helicopters, medical staff and other services of the Republic, the Coordination Centre for Search and Rescue of the Republic of Cyprus, whereas France participated with its modern frigate FORBIN and one of its helicopters stationed in the port of the south coastal town of Larnaca.

The Minister said similar exercises between the Cypriot and French forces will continue to take place in the future in the framework of the cooperation between the two countries in the field of defence as well as with other countries.

[03] FM discusses Cyprus issue and hydrocarbons in Oslo

According to an official announcement, Markoullis met with her Norwegian counterpart Jonas Gahr Stďre with whom she also discussed bilateral relations , the European Neighborhood Policy and the Eurozone crisis.

Foreign Minister also met with the State Secretary at the Ministry of Petroleum and Energy Per Rune Henriksen and the First Vice Chairman at the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence of the Norwegian Parliament (Stortinget) Svein Roald Hansen.

[04] Minister: Integration of immigrants, a priority for Cyprus` EU presidency

``The importance that Cyprus and the EU as a whole attach to integrating immigrants into their host societies is reflected in the Cypriot EU Presidency, since this is one of our main priorities,`` Sylikiotis said during a press conference on ``Activities encouraging mutual interaction and multicultural events``.

In this context, he continued, an EU Ministerial meeting will take place in Nicosia to discuss the integration of immigrants.

The Minister said that Cyprus after its accession to the EU, in May 2004, is faced with mass migratory pressures.

He said that the main objective is ``to have a policy framework that would incorporate measurable, and qualitative evaluation criteria in the field of employment, education, social inclusion and active citizenship.``

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