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Tuesday, 16 April 2024
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Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 10-09-15Cyprus News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Cyprus News Agency at <http://www.cyna.org.cy>CONTENTS
[01] PRESIDENT CHRISTOFIAS NATIONAL COUNCILCyprus President Demetris Christofias has informed National Council members about his assessment on the course of the negotiations as regards the property chapter after the Greek and Turkish Cypriot sides have submitted their positions.In statements after the meeting of the National Council (top advisory body to the President on the handling of the Cyprus problem), Government Spokesman Stephanos Stephanou said that some political parties had made an initial comment on the Presidents proposals. He added that it has been agreed that the discussion would be continued at the Sub-committee on the Property issue, and to be concluded at the National Council. Asked if the dates for the sub-committees session have been arranged, Stephanou replied negatively and added that the political parties will agree on the session of the Subcommittee and of the National Council. He also said that the next meeting of the National Council would take place after President Christofias returns from New York where he will address the UN General Assembly. Replying to a comment made by a journalist that people were expecting a minimum unity to be reached in the domestic front, Stephanou noted that the effort is to find a consent, and for that reason a very specific discussion at the Subcommittee on the Property issue, will be held. Each political party will table its proposals, thoughts, estimations and comments on the proposals, thus make an effort to reach a common position, he said. Stephanou pointed out that during the National Council meeting, a very productive and constructive atmosphere prevailed, which sends the message that we can have a course that, at least, will satisfy the majority of the political parties. Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. Peace talks are currently underway between President Christofias and the leader of the Turkish Cypriot community to find a negotiated settlement that will reunite the country under a federal roof. [02] INTERIOR MINISTER - EU ASYLUM MEETINGCyprus Interior Minister Neoklis Sylikiotis has expressed satisfaction over the results of discussions held at the EU Ministerial Meeting for Asylum, in the framework of the promotion of the process for the fulfillment of the Joint European Asylum System and the achievement of an equal allocation of responsibilities among EU members.In his intervention at the meeting, Sylikiotis reiterated that Cyprus supported from the very beginning efforts to conclude a Joint European Asylum System by 2012. He underlined that through the System the EU will be able to respond to the needs of providing a higher-level protection to those who really need it. He also referred to Cyprus geographical position, noting that as a result of this position Cyprus is under a lot of pressure with regard to the issue of asylum seekers. He added that discussions during the meeting have indicated that the implementation of programmes for asylum seekers relocation combined with measures of promoting practical cooperation and financial enhancement constitutes one of the tools to be used by the EU to achieve the equal allocation of responsibilities among EU members. Sylikiotis also referred to a study conducted by the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) for the period 2005-2009, according to which Cyprus receives 30.1 applications per 1000 inhabitants. [03] POPE BENEDICT CHRISTOFIAS - AWARDPope Benedict XVI has awarded the Knight of the Collar of the Pian Order to President of the Republic of Cyprus Demetris Christofias.The award was bestowed on President Christofias by Cyprus Ambassador to the Holy See, George Poulides on 9 September, an official press release, issued here today, said. [04] COC CHAIRMAN INTERVIEWChairman of the Cyprus Olympic Committee Ouranios Ioannides has expressed hope that Cypriot athletes will manage to secure medals in the 2012 Olympic Games in London, thus increasing international successes by Cypriots in the past couple of years.In an interview with CNA to mark two years since he became Chairman of the COC on 2 October 2008, Ioannides refers to the preparation programme for the Olympics of 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, and notes that he has submitted a proposal to the International Meeting of national Olympic Committees to establish island state games among countries with Olympic Committees, and for the first such games to be hosted by Cyprus. Reviewing the past two years, Ioannides said the main aim set out was to promote the Cypriot athletes worldwide and that this aim was met. He said the second aim was to achieve the best possible performance internationally, adding that the past couple of years were the best ever. Ioannides said the COC Board has also set aims concerning innovations, such as the Olympic Meeting organised in 2009, which will be held every four years, and noted that Olympic seminars will also be held to prepare for the Meeting. He said the COC was also preparing, in cooperation with the European Olympic Committee and the International Olympic Committee, a training school for all parties involved in sports in Cyprus, on all levels. Furthermore, he said efforts were being made to complete the interior of the Olympic House with a museum and library. Cyprus News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |
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