Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 12-02-15

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

CONTENTS

[01] Government: Netanyahu visit to strengthen ties with Israel

[02] National Council wraps up day-long session

[03] GDP growth rate declines at end of 2011

[04] PA OSCE President commends Cyprus on EU presidency preparations

[01] Government: Netanyahu visit to strengthen ties with Israel

``The visit is proof of the high level of relations between Cyprus and Israel which, especially in recent years, have potential to enhance and develop further,`` said Stephanou briefing the press on a visit to Cyprus by the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday, at the invitation of Cyprus President Demetris Christofias.

``We welcome Mr. Netanyahu to Cyprus and we are confident that his visit will contribute to further strengthening relations between the two countries in favor of peace, cooperation and stability in the region,`` the Spokesman pointed out.

The visit of the Prime Minister of Israel follows the visit of Israeli President Shimon Peres to Cyprus and President Christofias` visit to Israel.

[02] National Council wraps up day-long session

Participants to the meeting discussed the results of the recent meeting of Cyprus President Demetris Christofias with the UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and the Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu, at Greentree, New York. No statements were made by the members of the Council after the meeting.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkish troops invaded and occupied its northern third. Peace talks are currently underway to find a negotiated settlement that will reunite the country, under a federal roof.

The UN Secretary General met President Christofias and Eroglu for the fifth time in January 2012, at the Greentree mansion in New York. In his statements, following the meeting, Ban said limited progress was achieved and invited both sides to make decisive moves in the chapters of governance, property and citizenship.

[03] GDP growth rate declines at end of 2011

According to the Flash Estimate compiled by the Statistical Service of the government of Cyprus, based on seasonally and working day adjusted data, GDP growth rate in real terms is also estimated at -0,5%.

�egative growth rates were recorded by the secondary sector of the economy (Construction, Manufacturing, Electricity), as well as in the sectors of Trade and Transport.

Positive growth rates were presented by the sectors of Tourism, Banking and Services (Public Administration, Education, Health, other services).

[04] PA OSCE President commends Cyprus on EU presidency preparations

Efthymiou, who has met Minister of Education and Culture Giorgos Demosthenous, in the framework of his three - day visit to the island, said they discussed Cyprus` presidency of the Council of the EU in the second half of 2012, noting that Cyprus has set solid foundations for the assumption of the presidency.

Europe is the common home for Cypriots and Greeks, he said, adding that a better future awaits the two peoples in their common European family. He expressed the conviction that Cyprus` presidency will be crowned with success and will give emphasis on educational issues in Europe.

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