Athens Macedonian News Agency: News in English, 17-05-26

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

CONTENTS

[01] Espen Barth Eide suspends Cyprus talks after leaders fail 'to find common ground'

[02] Attack on coach in Egypt claims lives of at least 26 Coptic Christians

[01] Espen Barth Eide suspends Cyprus talks after leaders fail 'to find common ground'

"Unfortunately, despite serious efforts to overcome their differences regarding the modalities for meeting in Geneva, the leaders were unable to find common ground," Eide said in a statement. "Without a prospect for common ground, there is no basis for continuing this shuttle diplomacy."

Eide said that he had informed Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades and Turkish-Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci separately on Friday morning and then the ambassadors of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council in a joint meeting.

He would now consult with U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and ask his advice on how to proceed going forward, the envoy added.

Following this latest development, Eide is expected to visit Ankara and Athens. Diplomatic sources believe that Ankara is in a position to give Akinci greater freedom to negotiate on security and guarantees at the Geneva meeting, so that there can be a good outcome. The trip to Ankara, however, will not take place until it is clear whether the Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu will remain or be replaced.

Greece's Foreign Minister Nikos Kotzias contacted Eide on the phone on Friday, following the announcement, and invited him to visit Athens for a meeting at the foreign ministry on Monday.

[02] Attack on coach in Egypt claims lives of at least 26 Coptic Christians

According to the same sources, several young people are among those killed.

The attack happened in the Minya area and targeted a coach, a minibus and a small truck that were heading toward the monastery.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi has called an emergency meeting with the defence and interior ministers on the latest attack with multiple fatalities targeting Coptic Christians in Egypt.

Greece's foreign ministry on Friday issued an announcement strongly condemning the latest terrorist attack targeting the Coptic Christian community in Egypt.

"We unequivocally condemn the terrorist attack with multiple deaths that occurred today in Egypt, against Coptic Christians. We express our support for the people of Egypt and its government and our sincere condolences to the families of the victims," the announcement said.

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