London Greek Radio

Government says it is monitoring information about Turkish actions meticulously

The government is meticulously following information as regards the steps taken by the Turkish side on the Cyprus problem and is getting ready to take specific actions which will be announced once they have been implemented, Government Spokesman Nikos Christodoulides has said.

 

Christodoulides was replying to journalists’ questions at the Presidential Palace, on Friday. Asked whether the minutes of what happened at the final dinner in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, have been sent to the permanent members of the UN Security Council and the EU, he replied that “everything referred to by the President of the Republic in his relevant statement on the specific issue has been implemented.”

 

Replying to another question, Christodoulides said that “under current circumstances we consider that it is important that” UNFICYP`s mandate “has been renewed for six months, until January 31.”

 

He also said that there are some very important references in the relevant resolution aproved by the UN Security Council, including the reference to resolution 1251 which describes the format of the solution, the fact that there are enhanced references to the fact that negotiations take place in the framework of United Nations resolutions, as well as the reference calling for the return to the status quo in Strovilia and for not acting in a way which would change the status quo.

 

On the reference for a technical review of UNFICYP, he explained that it is not the first time that such a review will take place and he spoke of a new approach on the part of the US administration on peace keeping missions, adding that there will be reviews for all missions.

 

At the same time, he informed that a number of countries, among which a big one, have expressed their readiness to contribute to Cyprus’ peace keeping mission with human resources.

 

Asked to comment on a statement made by the Deputy Spokesman for the UN Secretary-General Farhan Haq that if the parties in Cyprus are willing to consider new confidence building measures in relation to reports from the Turkish Cypriot press that the fenced-off part of the city of Famagusta, known as Varosha, will be opened, he recalled that the recent measures announced by Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci are actually the actions of Turkey.

 

Therefore, under no circumstances do they constitute confidence building measures, he pointed out.

 

He referred to the relevant paragraph of the High Level Agreement of 1979 and UN resolutions 550 of 1984 and 789 of 1992 which refers very specifically to the need to return the fenced-off city to the United Nations.

 

e assured that the government follows and evaluates all information meticulously on a daily basis.

 

It is within our duties to do this and to approach all matters seriously, he said. At the same time, he noted that “even at this very moment we are preparing specific actions on the part of the Republic of Cyprus, which due to the seriousness with which we approach all issues, will be announced after they are implemented.”

 

Asked whether the government would advise refugees from the fenced – off city what to do if Turkey gives access to them to go and live there under Turkish occupation, the Government Spokesman noted that of course it will as it did in the matter of the invitation by the Turkish occupying army for the return of Maronites to their occupied villages. In that case, he recalled, we have expressed our position clearly.

 

We are a responsible government and we will certainly express our position so that the Cypriot people can be informed.

 

Replying to a question on whether Greek Cypriots should change their attitude as Akinci suggested he said that “we do not feel the need to make such type of personal attack.”

 

This, he added, can be derived from the fact that together with Greece we were the only side to submit very specific proposals in Crans-Montana.

 

He further commented that in Akinci’s statements there is no reference to President Anastasiades’ challenge and invitation to say whether UN Special Adviser’s Espen Barth Eide’s allegations are true as regards the conversation during the final dinner at the Swiss resort.

 

Christodoulides also said that Akinci is obviously trying to create a confrontation within the Greek Cypriot community by making references to AKEL Secretary General Andros Kyprianou and stressed that the government “will not respond to Mr Akinci’s challenge.”

 

“Despite the fact that certain different approaches are absolutely respected and are legitimate it would never be right to give a picture of division within the Greek Cypriot side,” he pointed out, urging everyone to be careful in their public statements.

 

Replying to a journalist’s comment that Akinci’s criticism has focused on President Anastasiades, the Government Spokesman pointed out that this is due to Akinci’s inability to refer to very specific facts as regards the positions expressed in Crans-Montana.

 

He gave the example of the chapters on security and guarantees, and territory. He added that in the context of the discussion it was clear that the return concerned part of the Turkish occupied town of Morphou.

 

Referring to the issue of the Maronite villages, he noted that the Turkish side’s position was against the will and true wish of the people of those villages.

 

Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third.  The latest round of the UN-backed Cyprus talks in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, ended inconclusively. The peace talks under the auspices of the UN aim at reuniting the island under a federal roof.

 

The Security Council established UNFICYP through resolution 186 (1964) on 4 March 1964 and has renewed the mission’s mandate for six-month terms since then.

 

The fenced – off Varosha part of the once thriving holiday resort, on the eastern coast of Cyprus, has been fenced off since the 1974 Turkish invasion and according to the UN the Turkish military is responsible for it. Repeated attempts to hand the fenced off area of Famagusta – known as Varosha – to UN administration and its Greek Cypriot legal inhabitants have so far failed due to the stance of the Turkish army.

 

Article written by

With the dust barely settled to this year’s Eurovision Song Contest since the elapse of a few months, the Cypriot broadcaster CyBc is expected to be announcing very soon the launching of a nationwide song contest, as a way of selecting our Cypriot tune, at 2018’s Eurovision Song Contest to be held in the Portuguese capital, Lisbon.

The drawing up of the specific rules for our Cypriot national final will be soon to be officially released, and it’s believed, this will be as quickly as August or in the autumn. We here at London Greek Radio have also learnt some information about what shall comprise the local competition. The public contest will be applicable to Cypriot singers, ‘maybe’ also songwriters and composers… We ‘insert’ here… another option… the powers that be are seriously thinking of appointing a well-known ‘composer’, to pen our Cypriot tune. Our very own UK Cypriot songwriters, producers and singers of Cypriot origin, will have eligibility to be entering the race (only in the case of an ‘open’ final). In years gone by, our talented British Cypriot artists have noticeably left a strong impression on it, taking advantage of their chance to be entering Eurovision finals on the island.

Now, as Cyprus regroups and looks towards the future let’s take a moment to reflect on the last couple of successful years. This year’s finalists ‘Hovig’ came 5th in the semi-final, continuing the qualifying streak, as we cannot forget the achievement of the up-beat Cypriot band Minus One in 2016. In 2015 John Karayiannis with the song ‘One Thing I Should Have Done’ – written by UK Cypriot Mike Connaris won the only Cypriot final we have seen, in the last three years.

The local Eurovision delegation is certainly looking to make it a fourth qualification Cypriot entry in a row, from the selection procedure they are about to embark on.

With the prospect of having a national song contest to choose our next entrant, the country’s Eurovision strategy for 2018 is starting to take shape.

Head back to the London Greek Radio website for all of the latest developments including the release of the formal rules and regulations for the Cypriot Final, outlining the steps that must be taken to submit your potential entry to the Cypriot song competition.

Article written by Tony Neophytou

The Cabinet in Cyprus gave on Wednesday the green light to a proposal allowing state universities to establish businesses based on their research outcomes, Education and Culture Minister Costas Kadis said.

In statements at the Presidential Palace, Kadis said that during today’s meeting the Cabinet approved the legal framework allowing universities to make the most of the scientific research outcomes, the innovations, the scientific knowledge which results from state universities in Cyprus and turn it to products and services which could be marketed to benefit the country’s economy and society.

“It is a very important decision, which makes our universities even more modern, bringing them closer to the productive fabric and the country’s economy, a decision which we believe will create new jobs, will boost the economy.” In essence, he added, “we follow the examples of countries which have advanced on the basis of such policies.”

Kadis pointed out that the great progress achieved by Israel in the area of knowledge society has been based in such synergies.

Replying to a question as to which areas this will focus on he said that there are no exceptions and no limitations. Wherever there are any outcomes they will be able to be put to use on a business level or on a services level to the benefit our economy and society, he noted.

Article written by CNA

Greece has successfully returned to the financial markets on Tuesday after a three-year absence.

The debt-ridden country has raised €3bn with a new five-year bond at a yield of 4.625%, which is lower than expected and even lower than the 4,95% that Greece sold its previous five-year bond in 2014.

A government official said the sale was an “absolute success” that “reaffirms the positive trajectory of the Greek economy which is making steady steps to exiting crisis and bailout programmes.”

Investors demand “exceeded our expectations,” said the Greece’s Finance Minister Euclid Tsakalotos.

Article written by

Below you can read the letter sent by Christos Karaolis, President of the National Federation of Cypriots in the UK, to Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson with regard to the intentions of the Turkish Cypriot ‘administration’ to open Derynia beach in the occupied of Famagusta in Cyprus under the control of the Turkish military.

Article written by LGR

Energy plans in block 11 of Cyprus’ Exclusive Economic Zone(EEZ) are going ahead without any problems, the Government Spokesman Nikos Christodoulides has said, noting at the same that Cyprus is approaching the issue by showing seriousness, remaining calm and using few words.

Christodoulides was speaking to the press following today’s meeting of the National Council held at the Presidential Palace.

Asked about Turkey`s new Navtex that affects the Cyprus’ EEZ, he said that this is Ankara`s favourite tactic which has been repeated since 2011 when hydrocarbon activities within Cyprus’ EEZ began.

He said that “immediately after the issuance of the directive to seafarers we proceeded to issue a directive to cancel what Turkey was attempting to do while at the same time we have already taken action at the diplomatic level.”

He said that “we continue to have the same approach. We will not do the favour to Turkey to create a crisis in the Eastern Mediterranean at a public level”, adding that there is no such a thing.

On 26/6 the Republic of Cyprus issued a directive to seafarers (NAVTEX 240/17), saying that drilling operation will be conducted in an area bounded by the drilling ship “West Capella”, from the 10th of July 2017 until 15th of October 2017.

The rights on Block 11 were assigned by the Republic of Cyprus to Total back in 2013 at the conclusion of the second international bid round held by the country. Total decided to extend the lease of Block 11, re-evaluating its geophysical model in view of the discovery of Egypt’s giant Zohr field only about 6km away from the boundary of Block 11.

Article written by CNA

Tourist arrivals in Cyprus in the first half of 2017 reached a new historic record, on the backdrop of a record year in 2016, according to data released on Monday by the Statistical Service (Cystat)

Arrivals for the period of January – June reached 1,463,206 marking an increase of 16.6% compared with the respective period of 2016.
“This figure outnumbered the total arrivals ever recorded in Cyprus in the first six months of the year,” Cystat said. In 2016 tourist arrivals reached a new all-time record reaching 3.2 million tourist arrivals.

June 2017 arrivals reached 472,450 up by 14.4% compared with June 2016. Cyprus Tourism Organisation (CTO) said in a press release that June saw the second highest tourist arrivals following July 2016.

“Another month with high levels of tourist arrivals is added to the current successful tourist season in Cyprus,” CTO said, adding tourist arrivals from all of Cyprus’ main tourist markets contributed to the new increase.

The new rise in arrivals is broad-based with most markets recording increases in tourist arrivals.

Arrivals from the UK, Cyprus main tourist market, increased by 1.2% in June (9.7% in the first half), whereas arrivals from Russia accelerated by 2.1% in June (11.3% in the first six months).

Arrivals from Israel increased by 88.7% in June (up by 81.1% in the first half), with arrivals from Germany registering an increase of 93.1% in June (up by 53.2% in the first half). The Swedish market posted an increase of 25.4%.

On the other hand, arrivals from Ukraine declined by 27.5% in June, followed by France with 19.3%.

Article written by CNA

The National Federation of Cypriots in the UK and the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Cyprus held its annual Parliamentary Reception for Cyprus on Tuesday 11th July to mark the tragic anniversary of the illegal Turkish invasion and occupation of July 1974. During the event, titled ‘Cyprus: The Quest for a Solution’ the Government Spokesperson of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, updated a full house of Parliamentarians and members of the UK Cypriot community about the recent Conference on Cyprus in Crans-Montana, Switzerland.

“The unacceptable status quo is not an option for neither Greek Cypriots nor Turkish Cypriots. The outcome in Crans-Montana is not a positive development… We remain fully committed to negotiating within the UNSG framework, which clearly states that the current system of guarantees must be terminated, that intervention rights should be abolished, and that troops withdraw upon an agreed framework.” 

The Cypriot Government Spokesperson, Nikos Christodoulides stated to MPs.

MPs and Peers express their strong, and cross-party, support for a just and viable solution to the Cyprus issue, including the abolition of guarantees and removal of Turkish troops.

Government Spokesman and Federation President met with Labour Foreign Affairs and Lib Dem Brexit teams to discuss the Cyprus issue and Brexit.

Federation President, Christos Karaolis, welcomed guests to the event and spoke of the UK Cypriot community’s determination to support efforts to find a solution that unites Cyprus, and ensures that Cyprus is free from foreign guarantees and Turkish troops.

He said, “in the face of increasing Turkish intransigence, now is the time for all Cypriots – whether they are Greek Cypriot, Turkish Cypriot, Maronite, Latin or Armenian – to ensure that our demands for a truly independent and sovereign Republic of Cyprus, are heard loud and clear.“

Mr Christodoulides spoke about the recent Conference on Cyprus in Crans-Montana, Switzerland. Mr Christodoulides began by outlining the framework for the meeting prepared by United Nations Secretary General, who chaired two days of the Conference on Cyprus. He went on to say that the UN Secretary General had stated that a new system of guarantees was needed and called for the termination of any right of intervention in favour of a new security system where all Cypriots would feel secure. Mr Christodoulides said that during the recent negotiations “the Turkish side refused to substantially negotiate within the UN Secretary General’s framework and therefore an impasse in the negotiations was reached.”

The Cypriot Government Spokesperson continued, “[in order to end the impasse] President Anastasiades submitted proposals which effectively addressed the concerns of both Greek and Turkish Cypriots… President Anastasiades’ proposal stated unequivocally that it was only valid if the right of intervention and the system of guarantees were abolished; there was full withdrawal of the occupying Turkish troops based on an agreed timeline; and the expectations of the Greek Cypriot side on territorial readjustments were met. All participants reacted positively to the proposal apart from the Turkish side, whose unwillingness to cooperate forced the UN Secretary General to close the meeting.” Mr Christodoulides concluded by expressing his regret that Turkey appears unwilling to work within the UN framework for a solution and stated that “our goals remain unchanged, we are fully committed to having a truly independent, sovereign, reunified state, free of any dependencies on third countries.”

Sir Roger Gale, who had earlier been re-elected Chair of the APPG for Cyprus, informed attendees that, “MPs across all parties remain as resolved as they ever have been for a solution in Cyprus.” Sir Roger concluded by paying a warm tribute to the extensive work of former MPs Sir Alan Meale and David Burrowes in advancing the Cyprus cause in Parliament during their time as MPs.

Speaking after Sir Roger, Baroness Massey of Darwen emphasised her continued support for the reunification of Cyprus, saying she would continue to campaign for a just and viable solution.

The Rt Hon. Theresa Villiers, MP for Chipping Barnet, told attendees that “despite the recent disappointments I would like to say that I have fought for a reunified Cyprus for 18 years and I will continue to fight for however long it takes.” Ms Villiers reaffirmed her support for the abolition of the Treaty of Guarantee and foreign country intervention rights, as well as a clear time-limit to any Turkish troops that were allowed to remain in Cyprus after a solution.

The next MP to speak was Joan Ryan, MP for Enfield North. Ms Ryan paid tribute to the “huge, vibrant and active British Cypriot community” and added that, “the Cyprus issue would be solved already if it was by Cypriots, for Cypriots.”

Bambos Charalambous MP, the recently elected MP, of Cypriot origin, for Enfield Southgate, said that “Cyprus will have a voice in Parliament and we will all do our best and take every opportunity to promote our cause.” Mr Charalambous called on the British Government to put more pressure on Turkey to end its occupation in Cyprus and that “Turkish troops must leave Cyprus and a system of guarantees is not fit for a modern country.”

Catherine West, MP for Hornsey and Wood Green, called for a “solution by Cypriots, for Cypriots”, paid tribute to some of the most important UK Cypriot community organisations and congratulated Bambos Charalambous on his election as MP for Enfield Southgate. Newly appointed Government Whip, Mike Freer MP, expressed that, “my personal view, is that I don’t believe Cyprus requires foreign guarantees or foreign troops.”

Bob Stewart MP spoke passionately about his fond memories of growing up in Cyprus as a child. He declared that, “Cyprus is where my heart is, you cannot find a more beautiful country, you cannot have such history in one place… Cyprus is special and needs reunification.” He went to emphasise the need for compromise to find a solution and said “Turkish troops have no place in Cyprus.”

Jack Dromey MP expressed his disappointment at the collapse of the recent round of negotiations and said “my commitment to the cause of reuniting Cyprus remains steadfast.”

Roger Godsiff MP told the room how he is “a passionate supporter of a reunited Cyprus and will continue to work for this cause in parliament.”

Caroline Nokes MP reaffirmed her commitment to a reunited Cyprus and said, “I will continue to work towards securing a solution that reunites Cyprus and all its people.”

Speaking at the reception, Jeremy Corbyn, Leader of the Labour Party, reiterated his support for the end of the Turkish occupation, the reunification of Cyprus and the return of refugees to their home. Mr Corbyn said that he will “never stop campaigning for the reunification of Cyprus.” He went on to say that he has a longstanding connection to the Cypriot community through his experience as a Councillor in Haringey at the time of the Turkish invasion where he met many refugees and, as a result, has many good friends in the Cypriot community.

Other distinguished guests in attendance included the Cyprus High Commissioner, Euripides Evriviades; members of the Cyprus High Commission; the Mayors of Lefkoniko and Akanthou; Andreas Papaevripides, President of POMAK (the World Federation of Overseas Cypriots); Harry Charalambous, President of NEPOMAK UK (the youth branch of POMAK); and members of the National Federation of Cypriots’ Executive Committee and Secretariat.

Christodoulides meets Labour Foreign Affairs and Lib Dem Brexit teams
As part of Mr Christodoulides’ visit, he met Emily Thornberry (Shadow Foreign Secretary), Khalid Mahmood MP (Shadow Minister for Europe), and Fabian Hamilton MP (Shadow Minister for Peace and Disarmament). During this meeting Mr Christodoulides discussed the Cyprus issue and Brexit. Discussing the Labour Party’s policy on Cyprus, the Shadow Ministers said that a mechanism would have to be found that addresses the security concerns of all Cypriots, however this could not be through the current system of guarantees or the presence of foreign troops.

APPG for Cyprus holds its Annual General Meeting
Prior to the event ‘Cyprus: The Quest for a Solution’, the APPG for Cyprus held its Annual General Meeting where Sir Roger Gale was re-elected as Chair. During the AGM, members of the APPG for Cyprus also had a private meeting with the Cyprus Government Spokesperson. The Officers of the APPG for Cyprus were elected as follows:

Chair: Sir Roger Gale
Vice Chairs: Theresa Villiers, Joan Ryan, Bambos Charalambous
Treasurer: Roger Godsiff
Secretary: Catherine West
Trustees: Angus MacNeil, Baroness Massey of Darwen, Kate Osamor

 

Article written by National Federation of Cypriots in the UK

Below you can read the response of the Foreign and the Commonwealth office to the 23rd of June letters sent to the PM and the Foreign Secretary by the President of the National Federation of Cypriots in the UK, Mr. Christos Karaolis.

 

 

Article written by London Greek Radio

Giannis Kalatzis, the voice behind the late 60’s and 70’s hit songs like ‘Delfini Delfinaki’ and ‘Kyra Giorgena’, died on Thursday. He was 74.

Songwriter Ilias Philippou announced the passing of the chart-topping singer on his Facebook page.

Giannis Kalatzis was born in Thessaloniki in 1943 and his career as a singer began in the early 1960s when he was a member of Trio Moreno in Thessaloniki. Later he settled in Athens and made his first major collaboration with composer Giorgos Mitsakis.

His rise to fame happened after he began collaborating with some of the most famous Greek composers: Manos Loizos, Mimis Plessas, Stavros Kougioumtzis, Giorgos Katsaros, Yannis Spanos and Tolis Voskopoulos.

He has also participated in music records of many other famous Greek pop singers, such as Giorgos Dalaras, Haris Alexiou, Giannis Parios, Mariza Koch and Litsa Diamanti.

During the 1970s he collaborated with composer Nikos Karvelas while in 1981 he released a record with songs by Tolis Voskopoulos.

In 2013 Giannis Kalatzis was honoured in the Greek version of the television programme Your Face Sounds Familiar broadcast by ANT1 with actor Konstantinos Kazakos impersonating him and performing one of his most famous songs – ‘Delfini Delfinaki’.

His well-known songs – many classic songs during the 1980’s on the London Greek Radio air-waves such as ‘To Palio Roloi’, ‘Paramythaki Mou’, ‘Isoun Oraia’, ‘Tzamaika’.

He released solo albums including the self-titled ‘Giannis Kalatzis’ in 1968, ‘Kyra Giorgena’, ‘Paramythaki Mou’, ‘Ena Taxidi’.

He retired from his singing career in 1984, but in 1985 he took part in a concert dedicated to Manos Loizos.

Kalatzis is considered one of the best singers of the time and his songs have been performed by many artists of the younger generation.

Article written by London Greek Radio