Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 08-05-18

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

CONTENTS

[01] CHRISTOFIAS - PERU - SPEECH

[02] CHRISTOFIAS - SUMMIT - MEETINGS

[03] �R����� CYPRUS

[01] CHRISTOFIAS - PERU - SPEECH

The Summits main issues of discussion were, inter alia, poverty, social exclusion, injustice, climate change and energy. President Christofias intervention was on poverty, inequality and exclusion, which are daily phenomena, he pointed out.

This is due to the exploitation of the natural resources of the developing countries by huge economic and trading Corporations at the expense of the economic interests of these countries and its peoples, the Cypriot President said.

According to the Millennium Development Goals, those in a position to provide assistance to those in need have, in our opinion, the political and moral obligation to work diligently towards this target. Development Cooperation is the most tangible manifestation of solidarity between states and fellow human beings. It can serve as an effective way of cooperation between nations, which can nurture and enhance the stability and prosperity that is so crucial for the smooth functioning of todays globalised world and can act as a catalyst for peace, he added.

President Christofias made a special reference to the Development Cooperation in which Cyprus is since 1994, and has since its accession to the European Union in 2004, realigned the philosophy and the priorities of its Development Cooperation Strategy to focus on the Millennium Goals. At present, Cyprus channels 50% of its development expenditure indirectly, namely through the EU, the development expenditure of which have a more global and far-reaching dimension than that of our own national strategy, he said.

He also admitted Cyprus lack of experience in pursuing an active development policy that led the country to seek the cooperation of its European partners in promoting projects that development practitioners refer to as silent partnerships. Similar cooperation was sought with international organizations with equally well-established credentials.

Furthermore, President Christofias stressed that the economic development of a nation and the improvement of the standards of living of its citizens is a process that can only succeed if it is carried out with the nation itself at the helm, with assistance and cooperation being provided as per the needs of that nation and its people. Each country has the legitimate right to exploit its natural resources, on the basis of political and social equality, to the interest of its people, he said.

He also pointed out that the alleviation of poverty, inequality and exclusion is not restricted to satisfying immediate needs, or providing relief only on a temporary basis, adding that efforts should be focused into addressing the underlying root causes of these problems. He also spoke in favour of the promotion of structural reform to ensure that they will be effectively and sustainable mitigated.

Additionally, President Christofias referred to Cyprus as a country that in its recent history has benefited from the generosity of others. After the Turkish invasion and occupation of 1974, which continues until now, it had to rely on the assistance of third countries in order to care for its refugees, its destitute and its wounded. This has generated a heightened sense of moral obligation that is very real in the hearts of all Cypriots. As a result, Cyprus could not but become engaged in the efforts of the international community to attain a more equitable distribution of the worlds wealth, he said.

Finally, President Christofias made an appeal to EU and Latin American leaders, to join efforts towards a better future for the planet.

[02] CHRISTOFIAS - SUMMIT - MEETINGS

In particular, President Christofias had meeting with his counterparts of Bolivia, Chile and Colombia. He also met President of Venezuela, Hugo Chavez. The Foreign Affairs Ministers of the two countries were also present. Christofias and Chavez discussed international issues and agreed to cooperate on political, financial and cultural, as well as on technological issues. President Christofias also met with the Cuban Vice President Jose Machado Ventura , the Foreign Minister and the Cuban delegation. President Christofias briefed his counterparts about the latest developments in Cyprus problem and reiterated Greek Cypriot sides will to work towards a Cyprus settlement for the benefit of Greek and Turkish Cypriot communities.

At the Foreign Ministers meeting held before the Summit, Cypriot FM Marcos Kyprianou talked about Intercultural Dialogue and the effort to strengthen communication and understanding between EU and Latin American countries. On the sidelines of the meeting, Kyprianou had meetings with his counterparts of Argentina, Peru, Panama, Ecuador and Costa Rica.

[03] �R����� CYPRUS

Replying to questions, she said she was not unduly dismayed at public remarks by Christofias that a lot of work needs to be done at the ongoing discussions at seven technical committees and six working groups, set up to prepare the ground for substantive negotiations. There will be difficulties but we should not let them become obstacles, she said.

Next weeks meeting between President Christofias and the leader of the Turkish Cypriot community Mehmet Ali Talat is a good way forward, she added. The British diplomat believes that there are very high expectations in Cyprus, noting that the solution has to be one by Cypriots for Cypriots, under Un auspices.

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