Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 08-10-06

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

CONTENTS

[01] CHRISTOFIAS PARVANOV PRESS CONFERENCE

[02] PARVANOV INTERVIEW WITH CNA

[03] CYPRUS POPULATION INCREASE

[04] AIR TRAFFIC - CYPRUS AIRPORTS

[01] CHRISTOFIAS PARVANOV PRESS CONFERENCE

Speaking at a press conference, after a meeting he hold with Cyprus President Demetris Christofias, who is paying an official visit to Sofia, Parvanov stated that Cyprus must remain a unitary, sovereign state, with an extended to the whole island, sovereignty.

Parvanov welcomed the beginning of the direct negotiations process, and congratulated President Christofias for that development, expressing hope for a positive outcome.

Bulgaria supports any possible outcome that will be within the framework of the EU values, and will be at the best interest of the people of Cyprus, regardless their nationality and religion, he said.

Parvanov also pointed out that his country supports Turkeys EU accession course. However, he noted, every country wishes to become a full member of the EU should respect its regulations and its values.

We hope the EU will actively seek for a just and viable solution to the Cyprus problem in the future, he added.

The Bulgarian President thanked President Christofias for the support of Cyprus towards Bulgarias EU accession course.

Regarding the economic relations between Cyprus and Bulgaria, President Parvanov stressed that the investments in Bulgaria from Cyprus, have mounted to 1.2 billion dollars. At the same time he expressed his conviction that the economic relations between the two countries will extend to new areas.

I am standing here, next to the President of the Republic of Bulgaria Parvanov, with a feeling of deep emotion, said on his part President Christofias and noted that in 1974 when Turkey invaded Cyprus and around 60% of the working population was unemployed, Bulgaria decided to host thousands of Cypriot workers.

The people of Cyprus will never forget that nice and kind gesture, he said and added that the fact that 30.000 Bulgarian live and work today in Cyprus is a small payback of that great gesture.

President Christofias noted that his visit to Sofia aims to renew and strengthen the friendship and the cooperation between Cyprus and Bulgaria within the new international environment and within the framework of the European Union, in which both countries are members.

The Cypriot President also thanked President Parvanov for his countrys support towards Cyprus and the people of Cyprus in their fight for reunification.

Regarding the European Union issues, President Christofias said that despite the fact that Cyprus has not long experience in the EU, is ready to offer its expertise, in all areas, to the Bulgarian Government. At the same time, he added, the two countries will continue to cooperate and coordinate their policies within the context of international and regional organizations.

President Christofias and T/c leader Talat have been engaged in talks since early September, with a view to reach an agreement that will reunite Cyprus, which has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third.

[02] PARVANOV INTERVIEW WITH CNA

In an interview with the Cyprus News Agency on the occasion of Cyprus President Demetris Christofias official visit to Sofia, President Parvanov said that Turkey has to fulfill the obligations it has undertaken for accession to the European Union. This, he added, must be a fundamental pre-requisite for the evaluation of the countrys accession negotiations.

Parvanov expressed the view that Cyprus has a mission in the Middle East peace process and for this reason it believes that Cyprus efforts to renew its friendly relations with the Arab countries will play a positive role.

Asked whether Bulgaria is prepared to use its relations with Turkey to help towards a solution to the Cyprus issue, Parvanov said his country advocates a fair, permanent and viable solution to the problem.

[03] CYPRUS POPULATION INCREASE

According to data released here today by Cyprus Statistical Service (CyStat), the population in the district of Nicosia was 310.900 at the end of 2007, in Famagusta 43.700, in Larnaka 131.900, in Limassol 226.700 and in Paphos 76.100. A 69.9% of the population resided in the urban areas of Cyprus, whereas a percentage of 30.1% resided in rural areas.

[04] AIR TRAFFIC - CYPRUS AIRPORTS

According to data released here today by the Civil Aviation Department, in June 2008 air traffic at Larnaca airport rose by 7.1%, and passengers numbers increased by 12.2%, whereas air cargo transport was down by 2.7%.

Air traffic at Pahos airport recorded a decrease of 0.5% and cargo transport of 17.7%, whereas the numbers of passengers rose by 5.1%.

In July, air traffic increased at both Cyprus airports. At Larnaca airport, air traffic increased by 2.1% and at Paphos airport rose by 4.5%. An increase was also recorded in relation to passengers numbers. At Larnaca airport, the number of passengers increased by 1.1% and at Paphos airport rose by 8.8%, while air cargo transport was increase by 2.3% and 48.7% respectively.

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