Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 12-01-04

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

CONTENTS

[01] President: Differences between two sides remain

[02] Downer: Aim for agreement on core issues

[03] Cyprus to host EU informal Defence Ministers` meeting

[04] Baghdatis in Brisbane quarterfinals

[01] President: Differences between two sides remain

Speaking on his return to the Presidential Palace, after the UN-led meeting, President Christofias said the two sides reiterated their positions, adding that ``the differences remain.``

He said the UN have called on the two sides to intensify their efforts so that there is some progress before a scheduled meeting later this month in New York with the UN Secretary General.

President Christofias expressed the readiness of the Greek Cypriot side to proceed ``on condition that one side will not wish to impose its will on the other.``

He pointed out that the Turkish side should not withdraw from what has already been agreed, adding that the Greek Cypriot side would be going to New York to repeat its positions and express its goodwill for a solution.

Replying to questions, President Christofias said he would be willing to meet with Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and that he has explained in the past that he would even meet with him informally, to explain his vision for a solution of the Cyprus problem, which also covers the Turkish Cypriot community and its interests.

``I say that our vision for the reunification of Cyprus, in the framework of a bizonal bicommunal federation, a functional and viable solution, also covers Turkey and its interests,`` he added.

[02] Downer: Aim for agreement on core issues

Speaking after todays meeting with Cyprus President Demetris Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu, Downer said that if no agreement is achieved then there will be a complete deadlock and the Secretary General will have to think about the next steps and discuss that with the leaders.

Donwer noted during todays meeting, the leaders focused their discussion on Green Tree 2, the progress thats been made since Green Tree 1 and the expectations the United Nations has for Green Tree 2 and the work that needs to be done between now and Green Tree 2 and at the end of Green Tree 2.

He said there is a lot of work to be done until the second meeting in Green Tree. The leaders will be meeting again on Monday. Then we will be having further meetings with the two sides during the course of next week as well. It is going to be a very busy couple of weeks ahead of us and we are very much looking forward to it, Donwer noted.

[03] Cyprus to host EU informal Defence Ministers` meeting

The Presidents remarks came in response to criticism of his stance on the informal meeting taking place in Cyprus, which suggested that he was not willing to host such a meeting. Things will be proceeding as normal, the President said.

The President said that Denmark does not participate in the EU Common Defence and Security informal meetings and thus the country which follows the Danish EU presidency usually takes over, in this case Cyprus. He said the informal meeting would be held during the first half of 2012 and that ``our obligation is to hold an official meeting during our presidency (in the second half of the year) and we will do so.``

``The Republic of Cyprus will fully meet its obligations as a small state, full member of the EU,`` he added, noting that many informal or official meetings take place in Brussels and the schedule would be announced when it has been completed.

[04] Baghdatis in Brisbane quarterfinals

Baghdatis, currently 44th in the world ranking, will face his partner in Brisbane`s doubles, world number 4 and top seed Andy Murray who defeated Gilles Muller with 4-6, 7-6(4), 6-0.

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