Global Greek Radio

CONTENTS
[01] CYPRUS - IRELAND
[02] CYPRUS ALBANIA AGREEMENT
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[01] CYPRUS - IRELAND

The new Ambassador of Ireland to Cyprus Patrick Scullion assured
President of the Republic Demetris Christofias that his government
takes an active interest in the successful resolution of the Cyprus
problem.

Ambassador Scullion, presenting his credentials, at a formal ceremony
at the Presidential Palace, said that his country will continue to
support the current process of negotiations and encourages progress
towards the achievement of a bi-zonal bi-communal federal state,
according to the relevant UN Security Council resolutions, and an
honorable, balanced and durable settlement protecting and safeguarding
the basic rights of all Cypriots.

Ambassador Scullion referred to the long tradition of close and
friendly relations the two countries share, adding that Cyprus` EU
membership has provided greater opportunities for closer co-operation
on a wide range of issues of mutual concern.

He also said that the government of Ireland very much appreciates
Cyprus` support for the efforts to find a lasting and peaceful solution
to the problems in Northern Ireland.

Ambassador Scullion remarked on the economic crisis that has affected
Ireland, saying that the successful stabilization of the economy was a
clear government priority and it was faced with realism and
determination.

He reported that the latest GDP data for Ireland shows an increase in
economic activity during the first quarter of this year.

In his reply President Christofias referred to the excellent bilateral
relations and the cooperation of the two countries at European and
international levels.

He also expressed Cyprus willingness for further development of the
relations between Cyprus and Ireland.

President Christofias briefed Scullion extensively on developments
concerning the Cyprus problem and the ongoing direct talks with
particular reference to a three-tier proposal he has recently put
forward at the negotiating table.

The first part of his proposals suggests linking discussions on
property to territory and immigration, citizenship, aliens and asylum.
Property and territory are considered to be two of the most hotly
contested issues at the talks President Christofias and the Turkish
Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu are engaged in.

The second proposal calls for the implementation of Security Council
resolution 550 which provides for the return of the fenced off area of
Varosha, now under Turkish occupation, to the UN. The objective of the
proposal is to restore the town and return it to its legitimate
inhabitants. The proposal envisages also the opening of the citys port
for trade for Turkish Cypriots, under EU supervision, as well as the
restoration of the walled city of Famagusta (old part of the city).

The third proposal relates to convening an international conference on
Cyprus, once the Greek Cypriot and the Turkish Cypriot side are within
reach of an agreement on the internal aspects of the Cyprus problem.
This conference must be called by the UN, and apart from the Republic
of Cyprus and the islands two communities, the EU, the five permanent
members of the Security Council and Cyprus three guarantor powers will
attend (Greece, Turkey and Britain are the guarantor powers according
to the 1960 Constitution).

President Christofias is engaged in direct talks with Eroglu, under UN
auspices, with a view to finding a negotiated settlement that will
reunite the country under a federal roof. Cyprus has been divided since
the 1974 Turkish invasion.

[02] CYPRUS ALBANIA AGREEMENT

Cyprus and Albania signed an agreement for the promotion and mutual
protection of investments.

The agreement was signed by Cypriot Foreign Minister Marcos Kyprianou
and Albanian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ilir
Meta, who had talks here.

In statements to the press, referring to the signing of the agreement,
Meta expressed hope that soon some Cypriot investors will invest in
Albania. He said he was very optimistic because Albania is representing
now a very good country for foreign investors, as it has been
experiencing a considerable positive economic growth.

On his part, referring to the agreement on investments, Kyprianou said
this is one area with great prospects especially for investments by
Cypriot business people and enterprises in Albania, a developing
economy, which offers new and good opportunities for Cypriot business
people.

During the talks the held, Kyprianou and Meta discussed about the
Cyprus problem, the issue of Kosovo, Albanias EU prospects and process
as well as the enhancement of the two countries relations in various
fields. As it was noted, Cyprus has offered a number of scholarships to
Albanian citizens to study in Cyprus.