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Friday, 19 April 2024
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Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 09-12-04Cyprus News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Cyprus News Agency at <http://www.cyna.org.cy>CONTENTS
[01] NATIONAL COUNCIL MEETINGThe National Council, top advisory body to the President of Cyprus, is meeting Friday morning, under President of the Republic of Cyprus Demetris Christofias, to discuss Turkeys EU accession progress and its assessment by the European Council in December.According to the communique issued after the previous meeting, which was held November 24th and lasted four hours, President Christofias informed Council members (parliamentary parties) about the ongoing direct negotiations held between himself and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat, aiming to reunify Cyprus, which has been divided since the Turkish invasion of 1974. The Council members also talked about the property issue, which is part of the ongoing direct talks. On Turkeys EU course, the Council was informed by the President about his moves regarding this issue, parliamentary action on the matter and contacts the Foreign Minister has had with EU member states in respect of this issue. The Council will continue today discussion on Turkeys EU course. Christofias and Talat began peace talks in September 2008, under UN auspices to find a mutually acceptable solution that will reunite Cyprus, divided since the 1974 Turkish invasion. [02] UNSG REPORT TALKSUN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has said that parties in Cyprus are making solid progress in direct talks aiming to solve the problem of the island, adding that he is cautiously optimistic that a solution can be achieved.In his report on his mission of good offices in Cyprus, covering the period from 10 May to November 25, 2009, Ban noted that differences remain and it is clear that much work needs to be done in order to achieve full convergence. Implementing in practice the achieved objective of a bizonal, bicommunal federation with political equality in a united Cyprus in which the concerns of both parties are taken into account and that is, at the same time, functional and stable, is a considerable challenge. It is ambitious but it is achievable, he added. Ban said he was encouraged by the commitment, courage and determination shown by the two leaders despite the considerable challenges posed by the negotiations and the ongoing domestic criticism in the north and the south directed at the leaders and the process and commended them for the progress achieved to date in the talks. Furthermore he urged both leaders to maintain their good personal and working relationship, ``which is vital for the success of the talks, and urged other concerned parties to do their utmost to support them and the negotiation process``. [03] PRESIDENT CHRISTOFIAS STATEMENTSPresident of the Republic of Cyprus Demetris Christofias has stressed that Cyprus enjoys all the rights, which every EU member state has within the Union.The President was speaking ahead of next weeks assessment of Turkeys EU accession progress by the December European Council. In statements on his return to the Presidential Palace after the conclusion of his meeting with Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat, President Christofias said he held a friendly discussion with Talat on the issue of governance, asylum, aliens, citizenship and immigration. During the next meeting, he said, they will discuss economy. Cyprus News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |
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