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Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation: News in English, 02-05-16Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation at <http://www.cybc.com.cy/>CONTENTS
[01] HEADLINESPresident Clerides stated that the Greek-Cypriot side wants a new constitution envisaging two self-governing cantons or statelets,The turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash said that talks with U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan had left him more optimistic a settlement could be found, Murdered populist Pim Fortuyn's upstart party stormed to second place in Dutch elections as the ruling centre-left was routed in the latest example of Europe's dramatic shift to the right, A heatwave has killed more than 400 people in two Indian states in the past week AND It may seem like fashion gone mad but this summer there may be a new food craze in Britain, -- purple carrots. [02] Clerides CNNPresident Clerides stated that the Greek-Cypriot side wants a new constitution envisaging two self-governing cantons or statelets.In an interview with Turkish channel CNN Turk, the President of the Republic said that each statelet will have independent administrative, legal and judicial authority and the central government will have no right of intervention. President Clerides noted that the Greek-cypriot side accepts the notion of political equality with Turkish-cypriots as described in Security Council resolution, that is political and not equality of numbers. He added that the Greek-cypriot government wants a central unified government that would represent Cyprus abroad and particularly at the European Union, which has made it plain that it will not accept two states in its ranks. [03] Denktash CNNIn his interview with CNN Turk, Turkish-cypriot leader Rauf Denktash reiterated his positions on the creation of two sovereign states or cantons, based on the Swiss model.He also demanded equal representation in central government and alternate presidency of the Republic and the House Of Representatives. Denktash added that he is willing to negotiate anything, as long as his demand for separate sovereignty is accepted. [04] Denktash optimisticMeanwhile, in an interview with Reuters, the turkish Cypriot leader said that he had told Kofi Anan it would be impossible to settle all issues by June, the timeframe which was agreed in Januaray, at the start of the tihrd round of direct settlement talks.He said that the two leaders had been given time until the end of the year to finish the process and not to waste time. Recent months have shown precious little evidence of progress. However, he added that alks with U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan had left him more optimistic a settlement could be found with Greek Cypriots over the future of the island. The Turkish-cypriot leader said the European Union had to prevail on Greek Cypriots that they had to change some of their approach to talks. [05] Papapetrou AthensPresident Clerides will travel to Athens next Wednesday for consultations with Greek prime minister Costas Simitis, following Kofi Anan's visit.The President of the Republic will be acccompanied by foreign minister Ioannis Casoulides, Attorney General Alekos Markides, government spokesman Michalis Papapetrou and minister to the President Pantelis Kouros. The government spokesman said that President Clerides has chosen an opportune moment for in depth discussions with the Greek government and co-ordination of efforts, because talks are at a crucial juncture. Meanwhile, the National Council will convene tomorrow afternoon. [06] Tsoxa CleridesGreek development minister Akis Tsoxatzopoulos stated that irrespective of the solution of the Cyprus problem. there is an equally critical procedure, leading to EU enlargement, of which Cyprus is part.Tsoxatzopoulos, on an official visit to the island, held talks this morning with President Clerides. He expressed the hope that by the end of the year, a decision will be reached over Cyprus'accession. The Greek development minister also expressed the certainty that the national strategy on the issue, will bear fruit. Akis Tsoxatzopoulos later met with House of Representatives president Dimitris Christofias, DISY leader Nikos Anastasiades and DIKO leader Tassos Papadopoulos. [07] Dutch elexMurdered populist Pim Fortuyn's upstart party stormed to second place in Dutch elections as the ruling centre-left was routed in the latest example of Europe's dramatic shift to the right.Voters ditched premier Wim Kok's government in a landslide swing to the conservative Christian Democrats, in a country better known for its tolerance of euthanasia, gay marriage and prostitution than for political instability. The Labour party, in coalition for eight years, suffered its worst defeat since World War Two in a momentous election dominated by voter concerns over crime, immigration and public services. The Christian Democrats won decisively, taking 43 of parliament's 150 seats. Their leader Jan Peter Balkenende, set to head a new coalition, said the victory had surpassed all expectations. The three-month-old Pim Fortuyn Populist List, still in mourning for its charismatic founder murdered nine days before the election, came second with 26 seats on its election debut. [08] Mideast wrapIsraeli troops today raided two districts in the Palestinian city of Ramallah after Prime Minister Ariel Sharon said he expected a Palestinian state would emerge only after lengthy negotiations.A Palestinian security officer was killed and at least four people were arrested in the West Bank city during the brief raid by Israeli tanks and troops. Troops also entered the village of Tallousa near Nablus in the northern West Bank and carried out house-to-house searches. Despite such raids, Sharon said a Palestinian state could eventually be established. He was speaking after Palestinian President Yasser Arafat acknowledged he had made mistakes and called for sweeping reforms of his administration and new elections, in response to pressure at home and abroad. [09] India heatwaveA heatwave has killed more than 400 people in two Indian states in the past week but officials said the toll was unlikely to rise after rain fell in some areas.The heatwave is the worst in four years and comes ahead of the annual monsoon rains which usually first hit the southern coast of Kerala in June and then fan out over the next three months. Officials in Andhra Pradesh and Orissa states said temperatures were coming down, providing much-needed relief to people who had earlier been advised to stay indoors in the afternoon. Temperatures in the worst-hit district along the Bay of Bengal coast touched 48 degrees Celsius. Most of the victims were from the rural belt where farmers and street hawkers suffered heatstroke and dehydration. [10] India KashmirTop Indian ministers today met military chiefs to discuss a response to a deadly raid in Kashmir that New Delhi blamed on Pakistan-based militants but officials said nothing would be announced until Friday.The talks were attended by Defence Minister George Fernandes, Home Minister Lal Krishna Advani and army and intelligence officials. On Tuesday, suspected Islamic guerrillas opened fire in a bus and then shot their way into an army camp housing families of soldiers. The raid in the disputed Himalayan territory of Jammu and Kashmir left 34 people dead, mainly women and children and including the attackers. The meeting came as the United States tries to calm tensions to avert a full-scale war between India and Pakistan. [11] Real riotsRiot police fired rubber bullets last night to disperse stone-throwing Real Madrid fans as hundreds of thousands of people packed the centre of the Spanish capital to hail the team's record ninth European Cup triumph.Real Madrid's 2-1 win over Bayer Leverkusen in the final at Glasgow's Hampden Park was met with an explosion of celebrations in the Spanish capital. Victory for Real came in the club's centenary season thanks to goals from Raul and Zinedine Zidane. [12] TailerIt may seem like fashion gone mad but this summer there may be a new food craze in Britain, -- purple carrots.In fact, the violet vegetables are not unnatural. It was their original hue before the Dutch decided to cultivate them in their national colour orange in the 1720s. Mark Spurdens, technical manager for food company Isleham Fresh Produce, told BBC radio that the sweet purple carrots , which are orange on the inside, will be a hit with British consumers when they go on sale in July. Dutch scientists say purple carrots afford extra protection against some forms of cancer and heart disease, a recent study concluded they contain pigments that act as anti-oxidants. Carrots also come in white and black varieties, and Isleham plans to develop a "rainbow bunch" over the next year. [13] WeatherThis afternoon, rain and thunderstorms are expected, particularly in inland areas. Winds will be moderate sea breezes three to four beaufort, turning strong five beaufort on the south coast, over slight to moderate seas on the south coast. Tonight it will be mainly fine, with patchy clouds and thin mist expected to form around dawn. Winds will be light northwesterly to northeasterly two to three beaufort over slight seas. Temperatures will fall to 15 degrees inland and on the coast and 10 on the mountains. The fire hazard is high in all forest areas.Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |