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Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 10-06-08Cyprus News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Cyprus News Agency at <http://www.cyna.org.cy>CONTENTS
[01] INFORMAL COUNCIL OF LEADERSPresident of the Republic of Cyprus Demetris Christofias has called a meeting of the Informal Council of Leaders for Tuesday, to discuss the situation in the Cyprus problem.The Council, comprising political party leaders, is convening in view of the adoption of a Security Council resolution on the renewal of the mandate of the UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP). [02] SPOKESMAN - CYPRUS TALKSGovernment Spokesman Stephanos Stephanou has stressed that the basis of talks to solve the Cyprus problem is the one described by the UN Secretary General and is part of UN resolutions. He also pointed out that the Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu has expressed support to that basis.The Spokesman said that negotiations between the leaders of the two communities, namely President of the Republic of Cyprus Demetris Christofias and Eroglu, would continue, adding that the role of the negotiating basis was to act as a criterion regarding the content and quality of positions submitted by each side. Asked about the basis of the talks, which began in September 2008, Stephanou said ``the statement of the UN Secretary General is clear, that the negotiating basis is a bizonal bicommunal federation with political equality, as defined in relevant UN resolutions, for a Cyprus with a single sovereignty, a single citizenship and a single international identity.`` Regarding remarks by the UN Secretary General`s Special Adviser on Cyprus Alexander Downer, Stephanou said Downer had referred to and agreed the basis of the negotiations. Asked if Eroglu accepted this basis, Stephanou said Eroglu had expressed his support to this basis, adding that the role of the negotiating basis was ``to act as a criterion regarding the content and the quality of positions submitted by each side.`` [03] GOVERNMENT - POPE`S VISITThe visit of Pope Benedict XVI to Cyprus was an historical event, which promoted across the world Cyprus and its political problem, as well as the struggle of the people of Cyprus for a solution and reunification, Government Spokesman Stephanos Stephanou has said.He added that the Pope sent messages of support to the efforts of President of the Republic Demetris Christofias for a political settlement, showed great interest in the destruction of the cultural heritage in the areas of Cyprus under Turkish occupation, and referred to the contribution of the Christians and Moslems to reconciliation among Cypriots, which could serve as an example for the people of countries in the region. Stephanou noted that the three-day official visit was successful, and was ``an historical event and honour for our country and our people.`` ``His presence on Cypriot land promoted internationally our homeland, the problem of Turkish occupation and de facto division of the island, and the struggle of our people for a solution and reunification,`` Stephanou pointed out. [04] HOUSE - PACE MEETINGCyprus is very honoured to host the conference of Presidents of Parliament, later this week, President of the House of Representatives Marios Garoyian has said in a message on the occasion of the meeting, organised by the House and the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE). It is indeed a great pleasure and honour for the House of Representatives of the Republic of Cyprus to host the next European Conference of Presidents of Parliament, to be held in Limassol, on 11 and 12 June 2010, he said.The Conference, he added, through the two very important themes to be discussed, will constitute another significant step in the efforts of the Council of Europe to promote and reinforce its fundamental principles and core values. At the same time, in organising this Conference, we will be making the necessary arrangements to extend to all of you the opportunity of sharing with us the natural beauty of Cyprus and its rich culture, which has contributed, in more than one way, to the flourishing of civilization in Europe, he notes. I look forward, he concludes, to welcoming you in Cyprus and extending to you all our warm hospitality, a tradition which has been a characteristic trait of the people of Cyprus throughout its long history. According to an official press released by the House, 50 Speakers and Presidents of countries-members of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) and third countries as well as Presidents of international parliamentary organizations, total of 300 participants, are due to take part in the European Conference of Presidents of Parliament. Cyprus News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |