Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 09-01-09

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

CONTENTS

[01] CHRISTOFIAS - CYPRUS PROBLEM

[02] GAROYIAN - SUBSTANTIVE STEPS BY T/C SIDE

[03] GAROYIAN - CNA - NEW YEAR`S EVENT

[04] BICOMMUNAL EVENT - ``THE HOOP OF LOVE``

[01] CHRISTOFIAS - CYPRUS PROBLEM

Referring to the current negotiations between him and Talat, Christofias noted that regrettably the positions of the Turkish Cypriot side on many points are even worse that those outlined in the Annan plan.

He added that a possible solution of the problem in 2009 depends on Talat and Turkey and described the issue of properties as one of the key issues in the Cyprus question, noting that another serious problem is that of the presence of the Turkish troops and illegal settlers on the island.

In statements at Larnaca airport, after returning from Slovakia where he attended celebrations for the accession of Slovakia to the Eurozone, Christofias was invited to comment Talats statement that the 2009 will be the year of a Cyprus settlement.

Noting that he is sharing this position, Christofias noted that it depends on Talat and Turkey if the Cyprus question will be solved in 2009.

He said that this is why UN-led direct talks, between him and Talat, which began in September 2008, are not speeded up.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkish troops invaded and occupied 37% of its territory.

[02] GAROYIAN - SUBSTANTIVE STEPS BY T/C SIDE

Invited to comment statements by Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat that the Annan plan could be brought back as the basis of the negotiations on the Cyprus question, Garoyian noted that Talat keeps reiterating his positions that the Annan plan should be brought back, about the virgin birth and the existence of two states and two peoples in Cyprus and that Turkish guarantees and intervention rights should be maintained. He said that these positions must not be supported by the international community and not even by the Turkish Cypriot community.

Garoyian said that if Talat really cares and is interested in finding a viable and functional settlement of the Cyprus question that will safeguard the human rights and the fundamental freedoms of Cyprus people as a whole and create the conditions to build a common future, he must abandon these tactics and positions, otherwise it is clear that the Cyprus question cannot be resolved and the interests of Greek Cypriots, Turkish Cypriots, Maronites, Armenians and Latins will not be served.

Garoyian said that Talats statements along with other similar statements and positions outlined and submitted at the negotiating table give the clear message that the Turkish side does not have the will to negotiate in a constructive and positive way with a view to reach a just and viable settlement, which the Cyprus people deserve.

[03] GAROYIAN - CNA - NEW YEAR`S EVENT

Addressing an event organized on Friday by CNA to welcome the New Year, in the traditional local manner, by slicing a New Years cake, Garoyian, stressed that the employees of the agency work hard every day to achieve objective news reporting.

Garoyian assured that the state will continue to support CNA and do its outmost to facilitate the fulfillment of its ambitions and efforts.

He also wished that 2009 will be the year that will bring the reunification of Cyprus and its people.

On his part, the Chairman of the agencys Board of Directors Costakis Constantinou said that CNA is the main source of information for Cyprus politicians, the countrys financial and social circles, diplomats, mass media workers and consequently of the people.

[04] BICOMMUNAL EVENT - ``THE HOOP OF LOVE``

The bicommunal event entitled The Hoop of Love, aiming also to bring together the younger generations of Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots through humanitarian events, was organized under the auspices of the first lady of Cyprus Elsi Christofia and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat spouse Oyia.

Cyprus President Demetris Christofias commended the two ladies for their common initiative, noting that pain, grief, problems and joys have not national origin but are common. He said that this event is a good example to address such problems.

Addressing the event, Elsi Christofia said that with their lanterns the students do not only illuminate Nicosia but also give hope for a better life for children with special needs.

She said that The Hoop of Love can really embrace all of us, young and older ones, Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots, underlining that the responsibility towards the children with special needs, toward the children of Cyprus is common.

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