Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 12-03-26

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

CONTENTS

[01] Justice Minister: Turkish side annuls progress in Cyprus talks

[02] Obama and Erdogan discuss Cyprus issue

[03] Shipping Chamber hosts "Digital Ship"

[04] APOEL prepares for game against Real Madrid

[01] Justice Minister: Turkish side annuls progress in Cyprus talks

Addressing the 40th congress of the Cyprus Federation of America on behalf of the government, Louca said that the struggle to reunite Cyprus, divided since the 1974 Turkish invasion, was difficult and pointed out the assistance received by overseas Cypriots.

He said President of the Republic of Cyprus Demetris Christofias has been taking initiatives to break the deadlock and reach a mutually acceptable solution the soonest possible, in the framework of a bizonal bicommunal federation.

Louca said the process for a solution should not provide for arbitration or timeframes, adding that the Greek Cypriot side would not accept the violation of terms and preconditions included in UN resolutions regarding convening an international conference to deal with the international aspects of the Cyprus problem, prior to an agreement between the two communities on the internal aspects.

He pointed out that in order to reach a solution all sides must show the necessary goodwill, and criticised Turkey and the Turkish Cypriot side for withdrawing from agreed points.

Louca assured that the Greek Cypriot side would continue efforts for a settlement and called on the international community to make clear to Turkey that it must fulfill its commitments towards the Republic of Cyprus and the EU.

Referring to energy issues, Louca said that the Republic of Cyprus was demanding its sovereign rights concerning exploration for hydrocarbons in its exclusive economic zone, and deplored Turkey`s threats, noting that the UN, the EU and important countries must make clear to Turkey that it must respect Cyprus` sovereign rights.

Louca said the government`s strategic aim was to turn Cyprus into a regional energy centre.

Regarding Cyprus` EU presidency in the second half of 2012, Louca said it would be a test for Cyprus and expressed certainty that everything would run smoothly.

[02] Obama and Erdogan discuss Cyprus issue

Raising the issue was a commitment Obama had taken towards the Cypriot government, Archbishop Demetrios and the leadership of the Greek-American community.

Speaking after the meeting, Obama said that ``over the last several years, the relationship between Turkey and the United States has continued to grow across every dimension,`` adding that ``we find ourselves in frequent agreement upon a wide range of issues.``

In his remarks after the meeting, Erdogan said ``we also had a chance to evaluate the situation with respect to Cyprus.``

``Our hope is that we can achieve the desired future for Cyprus sooner,`` he pointed out.

[03] Shipping Chamber hosts "Digital Ship"

According to an announcement issued by CSC, the International Conference titled "Digital Ship" will take place in the southern coastal town of Limassol. Specialists and information technology directors are expected to speak at the Conference. Minister of Communication and Works Efthymios Flourentzou will also address the opening ceremony on Tuesday afternoon.

Digital Ship is conceived as the most important Conference on Maritime communication and information technologies that takes place in Cyprus, the announcement added.

The Cyprus Shipping Chamber is the trade association of the Shipping Industry in Cyprus. Having witnessed considerable growth since its establishment in 1989, originally under the name Cyprus Shipping Council, with seventeen founding members, the Chamber today comprises all the major ship-owning, ship-management and shipping related companies based in Cyprus.

[04] APOEL prepares for game against Real Madrid

The fist leg game will be held at GSP stadium in Nicosia at 21:45 local time (1845 GMT) and the second leg will be held in Santiago Bernabeu on April 4.

APOEL will play without Gustavo Manduca, who was suspended in the last game against Lyon.

The team of Real Madrid arrived in Cyprus on Sunday at midnight.

According to UEFA official website, Real Madrid CF has been deprived of defensive midfielder Lassana Diarra for their UEFA Champions League quarter-final first leg away against APOEL FC. Diarra, who has made four appearances in this season`s competition, was suspended for Madrid`s 5-1 victory against Real Sociedad on Saturday. He was subsequently forced to pull out of Tuesday`s game in Nicosia because of a right hamstring strain.

Along with Diarra, coach Mourinho is also without injured trio Angel Di Maria, Ricardo Carvalho (both thigh) and Jose Callejon (ankle), plus suspended midfielder Xabi Alonso.

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