Athens News Agency: News in English, 05-11-28

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From: The Athens News Agency at <http://www.ana.gr/>

CONTENTS

[01] Cypriot party leader meets with opposition leaders

[01] Cypriot party leader meets with opposition leaders

Speaking of the meeting, Papandreou said it provided a good opportunity for an exchange of views on related developments.

The PASOK president added that he briefed Omirou about the contacts he had on a recent visit to Turkey, and particularly the Cyprus issue "always focusing on our permanent positions but also on the need for Turkey to comply with the European Union's acquis communautaire as the only avenue that will ensure accession."

During the meeting, Papandreou reiterated his criticism of the government for its handling of the Cyprus issue and Greek-Turkish relations, saying that "Greece has lost two great opportunities to formulate a new Helsinki, a new timeframe, a new Road Map for a solution to the Cyprus issue."

On his part, Omirou congratulated Papandreou on his expected appointment as President of Socialist International and said that together they discussed the possibility of creating new momentum regarding Cyprus, with specific requirements that have already been communicated to all involved parties.

He said that a new initiative should not be based on the logic of arbitration and on suffocatingly-tight deadlines, and noted that sufficient preparation is necessary.

"It is our duty to convey the message to the European Council, to [EU] member-states, to all involved, that they must be alert to ensure that Turkey fulfills its obligations; otherwise we will have deficiencies in our national strategy and one of the main pillars of our national strategy since the 1990s, has been developing Turkey's European prospect," Omirou said.

Alavanos, on his part, pointed out that it is important for the Cyprus Republic to ensure support for its proposals so that a solution can be found based on the basic principles of the United Nations, the acquis communautaire and combined with the procedures for Turkey's EU accession.

Omirou and Papariga also exchanged views on the Cyprus issue.

Papariga expressed KKE's support and solidarity towards the people of Cyprus in their fight for a just and viable solution.

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