Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 07-05-12

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

CONTENTS

[01] CYPRUS - AUSTRIA

[02] PAPADOPOULOS - TRADE FAIR ECONOMY

[03] PASHIARDIS - NEW DEFENCE MINISTER

[04] CYPRUS - EU - EURO

[01] CYPRUS - AUSTRIA

On Friday, the Austrian President held official talks with his Cypriot counterpart Tassos Papadopoulos and delegations from both countries.

President Papadopoulos said that what impedes the opening of a crossing point at Ledras Street, in Nicosia, is the fact that the Turkish occupation troops do not accept they have no responsibility over the area and do not withdraw from it.

Papadopoulos also said that during the talks, he reiterated Cyprusgratitude to Austria for the principled stand that it has taken concerning the Cyprus problem.

On his part, replying to a question regarding developments in Turkey and Ankaras route towards the EU, Fischer said that our view is that there should be respect to the democratic principles. We hope to a peaceful arrangement of the problems that have arisen and we hope not to have any difficulties and a more intensive crisis in Turkey. In such a case, which we deprecate, we will have to reexamine the issue.

Papadopoulos and Fischer, together with the delegations of the two countries, discussed European matters, the Cyprus question, developments in Turkey, other issues in their respective areas, which affect the two countries and bilateral relations.

Fisher said he was very satisfied with the exchange of views and with their discussion.

I am happy to say that our bilateral relations are very, very good but it is an old experience of politics, that nothing can be so good that it cannot be even further continued and improved and thats our common goal for the future, he added.

He said they will work on the economic cooperation between the two countries and representatives of the Austrian business community will use this opportunity to make some proposals for projects of cooperation.

Fischer said they spoke on the subject of introducing the Euro in Cyprus, next year and that Austria wishes Cyprus success on this important field.

Furthermore, he noted that Austria and Cyprus have very parallel opinions on the question of the Constitution and Treaty and to underline that a lot of good ideas and good proposals are in this Constitution and Treaty and our interest is as much as possible from the substance of this Treaty should come into power.

We also stressed the importance of cultural cooperation, he said, adding that the Austrian side would be happy if representatives of Cypriot competent authorities go to Austria to discuss with Austrian authorities the possibilities for further extension and further activities on the cultural field.

On his part, Papadopoulos said he was very glad to say that in most of the subjects we raised we have parallel if not identical views.

We also discussed the problem of Cyprus and we repeated our gratitude to Austria for the principle stand that throughout it has taken concerning the Cyprus problem, he said.

He expressed certainty that this meeting will further strengthen the close friendly relations between our two countries, both on the bilateral level as well as within the EU and at the international level.

To a question as regards that demolition by the government of Cyprus of the wall at the end of one of Nicosias main commercial streets, Ledra Street, Papadopoulos recalled that in December 2005 the government submitted a series of proposals that would contribute to the rapprochement of the two sides and to the promotion of unification, adding that one of these measures was the opening of eight more crossing points, one of which is that of Ledra Street, with its own certain symbolism.

He added that the issues is not the National Guard post which was there and has been demolished but the problem is the presence of Turkish troops or troops under the control of the occupation troops in the area between the posts, which we describe as buffer zone.

We have the opinion which is accepted by the UN, that the buffer zone must be under the control and the supervision of UNFICYP troops and every claim by the Turkish Cypriot to gain control over the buffer zone must certainly be withdrawn, he added.

Papadopoulos said that one crossing point must aim at rapprochement and at creating better relations between the two communities, noting that if Cyprus citizens have to pass through Turkish troops which will remind them of the ongoing occupation then it will become a point of friction and bitterness.

Replying to a question about Kosovo, Papadopoulos said they discussed the issue which certainly affects an important part of Europe and for which many countries have a special interest.

He added that their common position was that ``the best solution for both sides, would be to find a mutually acceptable agreement, but in any case it would be better for any decision regarding Kosovo, to be well established with a Security Council decision.``

Fischer said Austria knows the problem very well and is especially concerned about it.

Speaking through an interpreter, Fischer said in the event that a solution cannot be found in the context of the Security Council, the problem will be how to tackle this question and, if there cannot be an answer to cover the majority of the Security Council members, then how it can be handled.

After the talks, Papadopoulos presented his Austrian counterpart with the Grand Collar of the Order of Makarios III while Fischer bestowed President Papadopoulos with the Grand Star of the Decoration of Honour for Services to the Republic of Austria.

[02] PAPADOPOULOS - TRADE FAIR ECONOMY

He also said that the introduction of the euro, expected in January 2008, will not restrict economic development but on the contrary it will secure the stability of the currency and low interest rates and protect the economy from inflation.

Speaking at the opening of the 32nd Cyprus State Fair in Nicosia, Papadopoulos said given the current economic indicators, we believe we shall achieve both goals, namely smooth entry into the euro and extend and improve social grants, especially to low income earners.

He said that the government has no intention of sacrificing the social state for the sake of entry into the eurozone, but noted also that all indications are that Cyprus economy will allow both objectives to be achieved.

[03] PASHIARDIS - NEW DEFENCE MINISTER

The appointment was made by President Tassos Papadopoulos, after the death of the late Defence Minister Nikos Symenonides last week.

[04] CYPRUS - EU - EURO

Almunias suggestion was discussed at a special meeting of EU technocrats and today senior officials were due to meet to prepare next Wednesdays meeting in Brussels.

The Commission draft proposal to the EU finance ministers points out that Cyprus fulfills the criteria relating to fiscal deficit, public debt, inflation, long-term interest rates and a two-year stay in ERM.

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