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Saturday, 21 December 2024
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Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 09-01-21Cyprus News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Cyprus News Agency at <http://www.cyna.org.cy>CONTENTS
[01] CYPRUS PRESIDENT - BARACK OBAMA - CONGRATULATIONSPresident of the Republic of Cyprus Demetris Christofias has sent a letter of congratulations to new President of the United States Barack Obama, saying that Cyprus looks to the new President to support efforts for a political settlement of the Cyprus problem, which will terminate Turkeys military occupation of the island.He notes that Obama`s message to the people was strong and clear, and his reference to the sovereign equality of states, the support to international law, the determination to abolish poverty, deeply impresses and inspires the Cypriots. President Christofias says that the Republic of Cyprus, a small island state, which is the victim of unjust aggression, expects Obama to support efforts to reach a solution that will end Turkeys military occupation of the islands northern part. He expresses certainty that Obama`s policies will greatly benefit the people of America and the people of the world in general. President Christofias also says he looks forward to a closer relationship between the US and Cyprus, and wishes success, health and happiness to the new President of the US. Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. [02] ANDROS KYPRIANOU - NEW AKEL GENERAL SECRETARYAndros Kyprianou was elected Wednesday new General Secretary of leftwing ruling party AKEL (Progressive Party of the Working People).Kyprianou replaces Demetris Christofias, current President of the Republic, who has served as AKEL Secretary General since 1988. The new party leader was elected by the AKEL Central Committee plenary with 57 votes (54.29%). The other candidate, Nicos Katsourides, received 48 votes (45.71%). [03] PARTIES - LEDRA PALACE - EVALUATIONGreek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot political parties, meeting regularly at the Ledra Palace, under the auspices of the Slovak embassy in Cyprus, have evaluated their bicommunal activities and initiatives during the past year in the process of rapprochement. A joint communique, issued by the parties, said that Colonel Gerard Hughes, Chief of Staff of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus attended the meeting as guest of honour.Colonel Hughes gave a presentation on the role and responsibilities of the United Nations Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) and the integrated mission with the Good Offices in their facilitation of the peace process. Colonel Hughes described the history of the mission and its changing modus operandi over the years and referred to the planning for the future of UNFICYP. The opportunity was also given for questions on the UN work in the buffer zone and UNFICYPs role in the ongoing peace process. The next regular meeting of the leaders and the representatives of the political parties will take place on the 18th of February, at the Ledra Palace. [04] CYPRUS - EURO ELECTIONS - BILLThe Council of Ministers has approved a bill to allow the operation of polling stations for Cypriots living abroad. Government Spokesman Stefanos Stefanou said that the bill, which will amend the law for the election of the members of the House of Representatives, will also affect the European elections scheduled for June 4-7.The Spokesman added that the bill will be tabled to the House of Representatives for approval, adding that some practical issues remain to be discussed in a meeting between Minister of the Interior Neoclis Syliciotis with parliamentary parties next week. He added that the Council had a preliminary discussion on the date of the European Elections in Cyprus, which will also be discussed at the meeting between Neoclis Sylikiotis and the parties. According to Stefanou, there is some concern because Monday, June 8, is a public holiday in Cyprus and people are likely to take advantage of the holiday weekend to go away. This, he indicated, might create some problems in the whole process. ``This is a matter which must concern us and the Minister of the Interior will discuss it with the parties to find the best possible solution,`` he added. Cyprus is represented at the European Parliament by six deputies. Cyprus News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |
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