Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 12-05-18

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

CONTENTS

[01] President: Switzerland`s position on Cyprus issue principled

[02] FinMin: bill on CPB rescue allows options apart from EU bailout

[03] Defence Minister: Cyprus ready to exercise effectively EU Presidency

[04] Meeting of EU State Secretaries and Secretaries General in Cyprus

[01] President: Switzerland`s position on Cyprus issue principled

The President who was addressing a joint press conference with President of Switzerland Eveline Widmer – Schlumpf at the Presidential Palace after holding talks, said he had briefed his Swiss counterpart extensively on recent developments as regards the Cyprus issue during their private meeting and later during talks between officials of the two countries.

On her part Schlumpf expressed her regret that the UN led talks which aim to resolve the Cyprus issue are not going as President Christofias would wish, expressing Switzerland's readiness to support the process if requested.

"As Switzerland we would wish for a solution to be found in the next months, in the next year", she noted, adding that "I think it would be very important for this wonderful region.

"From this podium, I have the opportunity to publicly express the profound gratitude of the people of Cyprus for the principled position of Switzerland on the Cyprus problem", President Christofias stressed.

He reiterated that "our vision remains that of an agreed solution that will reunify Cyprus, that will end occupation and colonization by settlers and that will safeguard the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all the people of Cyprus".

Unfortunately, President Christofias said, "our efforts are obstructed by the intransigence of the Turkish side", adding that "Turkey not only continues, but has intensified its provocations against Cyprus, threatening to promote the so called "Plan B" of upgrading the Turkish occupied areas".

As a candidate EU country Turkey should respect the role of the Council presidency, a key institutional feature of the EU.

The Cypriot President recalled that both the European Council and the European Parliament have repeatedly reaffirmed their dissatisfaction and concern over the Turkish position.

"Ankara should implement the obligations it has undertaken vis-a-vis the Republic of Cyprus and the European Union, including the substantial contribution to our efforts for a solution", he noted.

During his talks with the Swiss President the Cyprus EU Council priorities were also outlined.

"I briefed the President on major issues expected to be on the Agenda of the Cyprus presidency, such as, inter alia, safeguarding effective economic governance, the completion of negotiations for the new Multiannual Financial Framework, the completion of the Common Asylum System and the monitoring of the effective implementation of the "Europe 2020" Strategy", he said.

At the same time views were also exchanged on the issues pertaining to ongoing talks between the EU and Switzerland.

On her part the Swiss President spoke of "manifold ties" which "have long existed between our two countries".

"We are convinced that with today's meeting the basis was laid to deepen them even further in the coming years", she noted.

Referring to the Cyprus EU Council Presidency, Schlumpf expressed the wish that relations between the two countries will deepen during the Cyprus Presidency.

"I wish you all the best for the next six months", she said. Replying to a question as regards the future of eurozone, Schlumpf said Switzerland supports all development in the EU now and during the Cyprus Presidency.

[02] FinMin: bill on CPB rescue allows options apart from EU bailout

After lengthy discussions, the Parliament approved early this morning a bill providing for the state to act as an underwriter to CPB`s capital increase of 1.8 billion euro through a rights issue.

``The effort made tonight (yesterday for the approval of the bill) gives the possibility to examine other options,`` Sharly said responding to a question whether Cyprus would avoid the EU support mechanism.

``And yes we will work in the time ahead to explore every option possible to avoid the (support) mechanism,`` he added.

Sharly said he is moved by the sense of responsibility shown by all MPs who approved the bill.

Furthermore, replying to questions, Sharly voiced his concern over developments in Greece, expressing hope that Greek politicians will put the interest of their country before their own political benefit so that Greece will remain in the euro area.

``If this prevails I believe that at the end of the day Greece will make it and will remain in the Euro area and the Greeks will see better days,`` he added.

Cyprus is heavily interconnected with Greece through the Cypriot baking system whose loan portfolio in Greece accounts for approximately 25 billion euro. While Athens is gearing up for new general elections on June 17 speculation for Greece`s exit from the Euro area is rising.

``For this reason I say if the Greek politicians show the same sense of responsibility like their Cypriot colleagues I believe they will make it (to remain in the Euro zone) and will not drag Cyprus in more difficult days,`` Sharly said replying to a question.

[03] Defence Minister: Cyprus ready to exercise effectively EU Presidency

If Turkey does not wish to respond and cooperate this will not be a problem of Cyprus but a problem of Turkey with the European institutions, with the EU itself, he added.

Turkey a country which aspires to become an EU member states does not recognize the Republic of Cyprus, an EU member state since 2004. Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkish troops invaded and occupied 37% of its territory.

Eliades assured that the Defence Ministry is ready to undertake and exercise effectively the duties of the Presidency in full cooperation with EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton, the European External Action Service as well as with all the partners in a spirit of good will and consensus.

[04] Meeting of EU State Secretaries and Secretaries General in Cyprus

According to an official announcement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs hosts on Friday and Saturday at Le Meridien Hotel in Limassol the Informal Meeting of EU State Secretaries and Secretaries General.

The EU State Secretaries and Secretaries General will exchange views on strengthening the interaction and cooperation between the European Union and the EU Member States and discuss ways that could enhance and improve cooperation between the European External Action Service (EEAS) of the European Union and the Member States, in the field of external relations and in projects of co-location and building policy in third countries.

They will discuss the personnel policy of the EEAS as well. The EU State Secretaries and Secretaries General will also discuss the developments in the Middle East and North Africa and exchange views on the results of the Arab Spring and its future and challenges.

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