Direct news input story index

Search Direct Input content

Direct news input items

Subscribe to the Direct News Input newsletter

Cyprus Presidency statements
Tuesday, 18 December 2012
1. The President of the Republic, Mr Demetris Christofias, sent a message of condolences to the President of the USA – 17.12.2012
The President of the Republic, Mr Demetris Christofias, sent today a message of condolences to the President of the USA, Mr Barack Obama, for the loss of innocent lives as a result of a shooting at a school in the state of Connecticut.

In his message of condolences President Christofias stated the following:
I was deeply shocked and saddened to hear about the horrific shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut, which caused the horrific loss of so many innocent lives. It is truly heartbreaking to think of the young children so tragically robbed of their future at such an early age. As a parent and as a grandfather I share the grief and sense of loss.

On behalf of the Government and people of Cyprus, as well as on my behalf, I wish to convey to you and to the bereaved families our most sincere condolences and deepest sympathy. At these most difficult times, our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families and all those affected by this terrible tragedy.”

2. The Minister of Foreign Affairs chaired the 13th meeting of the EU-Azerbaijan Cooperation Council – 17.12.2012
The Cooperation Council between the European Union (EU) and the Republic of Azerbaijan today held its 13th meeting. The EU was represented by the Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Erato Kozakou-Marcoullis acting as Chair of the Cooperation Council on behalf of the High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Baroness Catherine Ashton, and by the EU Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighbourhood Policy Mr Stefan Fule. The Azerbaijani delegation was led by the, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan Mr Elmar Mammadyarov. Ahead of the meeting of the Cooperation Council, the Minister of Foreign Affairs stated: “Azerbaijan and the EU have shown their strong commitment in intensifying and deepening their cooperation.”

This meeting provided the opportunity for frank and open discussion. It took place at the end of a very intensive year for bilateral relations: during 2012, visits were made to Baku by the President of the European Council Mr. Herman Van Rompuy, the Commission Vice- President Mrs Neelie Kroes and Commissioners Mr Gunther Oettinger and Mr Stefan Fule.

The Cooperation Council reviewed progress on the settlement of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict. The EU reaffirmed that the status quo is unacceptable and that the solution of this conflict remains a top priority. Both sides reiterated their support to efforts deployed by the OSCE Minsk Group. The EU confirmed its complementary role in support of confidence building measures and also expressed concern on incidents at the frontlines. The EU urged the sides to maintain stability on the ground and to refrain from aggressive, belligerent statements and actions that would increase tension.

The Cooperation Council underlined the need to remain focused on and speed up implementation of the European Neighbourhood Policy Action Plan, including World Trade Organisation accession and provided a good opportunity to take stock of latest developments in the South Caucasus, as well as to review recent political and economic reforms in Azerbaijan.

In view of the deepening bilateral relations between the EU and Azerbaijan in the framework of the Eastern Partnership, the EU encouraged Azerbaijan to step up reforms in these fields in particular with regards to the preparation and conduct of presidential elections scheduled in October 2013, which should take place in a fair and transparent way in line with international standards.

The EU reiterated that respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms in Azerbaijan is an essential component in the bilateral relationship and in the framework of the Eastern Partnership and reaffirmed its readiness to continue its support for the further development of democratic institutions in Azerbaijan.

The two sides expressed satisfaction with the ongoing negotiations on the Association Agreement and underlined the need to accelerate their pace. The EU welcomed the start of negotiations for the signature of Visa Facilitation and Readmission agreements.

The Cooperation Council discussed EU-Azerbaijan cooperation in the energy sector and welcomed the ratification by the Azerbaijani Parliament of the bilateral agreements with Turkey on the construction and operation of the Trans - Anatolian Pipeline (TANAP), as part of the Southern Energy Corridor.

he EU and Azerbaijan confirmed their commitment to the negotiations with Turkmenistan on the construction of the Trans - Caspian Pipeline and both sides confirmed the importance of the Southern Corridor and its contribution in reaching the common objective of energy security and the security of energy transportation from the Caspian Sea to the EU.

3. Cooperation Agreement signed between Cyprus Republic and International Organisation for Migration
A Cooperation Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Cyprus and the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) was signed yesterday in Geneva. The Agreement provides for the opening of an IOM office in Cyprus which will implement programmes concerning migration, such as granting assistance in capacity building, advisory and technical services in specialized matters like migration and health, international migration law, combatting human trafficking, assisting displaced persons, and other issues.

The promotion and signing of the Agreement falls within the framework of the Ministry of Interior’s efforts for a more effective handling of immigration, the maximization of its positive effects and the management of the problems that may arise.

4. Commerce Minister departed for Brussels
The Minister of Commerce, Industry and Tourism, Mr Neoklis Sylikiotis, departed yesterday for Brussels, where he will present a review today of the Cyprus Presidency to the Committees on International Trade (INTA) and Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE) of the European Parliament.

Specifically, Mr Sylikiotis will initially speak to the INTA on the progress achieved in the field of international trade and will then address the ITRE members on the achievements of the Cyprus Presidency regarding the issues of industry and energy.

The Minister of Commerce returns to Cyprus tonight.

Other European news links
http://newslink.org/nonuse.html
http://www.einnews.com/centraleurope/#newsfeeds

NEWS HEADLINES FROM EUROPE

Archived news items