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

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

CONTENTS

[01] BRITISH MINISTER - CYPRUS ISSUE

[02] POLISH MINISTER - CYPRUS

[01] BRITISH MINISTER - CYPRUS ISSUE

Speaking after a meeting with President Demetris Christofias, Flint said that she is really pleased to be here in such an important time, for both communities on the island.

I had a very constructive meeting with the President and I look forward to the rest of my trip, to listen and learn, but to also ensure that everyone is aware of our commitment to this historic process and hopefully to make it a success, she added.

Asked if she is concerned about a loss of momentum in the negotiating process, Flint underlined that President Christofias has clearly expressed to her his desire to keep the momentum going.

I think this is very important, Flint said, noting that both President Christofias and Mr. Talat have publicly said they are committed to this process.

The British Minister also stressed the need to maintain a momentum. This is a matter to find solution for Cypriots by Cypriots and we stand by to give our support to that in whatever way we can, she said.

Flint encouraged the two leaders to continue the negotiations. What is always important in these situations is to keep talking, she noted and added: It is not easy, but to keep the talking going is a really important sign that the momentum is still there.

Earlier, Flint met Foreign Minister Markos Kyprianou. Speaking after the meeting that took place at the Foreign Ministry, Kyprianou congratulated Flint on her appointment and wished her every success in this difficult task.

Kyprianou expressed his appreciation that just a couple of days after she took office, she visited Cyprus. This demonstrates the commitment of the UK government in this new effort, he added.

We had the opportunity to discuss our positions regarding the Cyprus issue in this new effort, the prospects, the difficulties, the hopes that we have for this new process, but also we catch up on other European issues, especially those that will concern the European Council`` next week in Brussels, the Minister said.

The Cypriot Foreign Minister noted that there is a common understanding on most of these important European issues, like the environment, climate change, energy issues and immigration.

Flint stressed the importance the UK attaches to the relationship between Britain and Cyprus, and her commitment to supporting the new Cyprus process.

It is clear for me, from the discussion with Mr. Kyprianou, that there is a genuine and strong commitment within the government to find a solution, and I really applaud the progress that has already been achieved she said.

Clearly this must be a solution by Cypriots for Cypriots, Flint pointed out and concluded: I am also here to learn what support the UK can provide to assure that this opportunity is not missed.

[02] POLISH MINISTER - CYPRUS

In statements at the Supreme Court, after a meeting its President Petros Artemis with Cwiakalski, Chrysostomides said issues concerning legal arrangements on procedural guarantees before courts, refugees, company law, the Lisbon Treaty and the European arrest order, were discussed.

Chrysostomides, who was accompanying the Polish official, said cooperation with Poland has always been very close and ``we are beginning a process of closer contact to prepare for the presidency.``

He added that Cwiakalski was briefed during his meetings on the function of the Law Office, the Supreme Court and the Ministry of Justice in general.

Cwiakalski, who is on a two-day visit to Cyprus, said they discussed their priorities during the EU rotating presidency, which they will be holding ``for just a few months.``

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