Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 07-04-23

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

CONTENTS

[01] CYPRUS EUROZONE ACCESSION

[02] FAMAGUSTA DECLARATION

[01] CYPRUS EUROZONE ACCESSION

I can assure you that Cyprus fulfills all conditions and all economic criteria and thus we are entitled to enter the Eurozone, Palmas stressed.

He was commenting on statements attributed to German Finance Minister Peer Steinbrueck that the June EU Council, which will decide whether Cyprus adopts the Euro from next year, should also examine the political implications.

Acting Government Spokesman said that ``it has not been confirmed yet whether Steinbrueck has made such a statement, adding that the government has asked the German Embassy in Nicosia for more information on the matter.

He also said that Cypriot Minister of Finance Michalis Sarris will contact his German counterpart for clarifications.

If there is such a statement, then, for the first time, political criteria would play a role in one European aspect which until now, has been considered as a solely economic area, he noted.

The Republic of Cyprus entered the EU in May 2004. The government has set as its goal to enter the Eurozone on January 1st, 2008.

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

[02] FAMAGUSTA DECLARATION

The campaigns aim was to collect signatures by Famagusta refugees demanding that they be allowed to return to the fenced off town, which is occupied by Turkish troops since 1974.

Speaking at a press conference Mayor of the Turkish occupied town of Famagusta, Alexis Galanos, said he was satisfied with the campaigns results so far and noted that Cypriots abroad could continue signing the petition until the beginning of May. ``Signatures are expected to reach 30,000, including the ones from abroad. We have made an important and positive step towards enlightenment``, the Mayor said.

Galanos said that the Famagusta Municipality expects the government and the political parties to respond to this campaign and use its results as a material that would contribute to the efforts for a Cyprus solution and the return of Famagusta to its lawful citizens.

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