London Greek Radio

A meeting between Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades , UN Secretary General Ban Ki moon and the Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci will probably take place on September 26 in New York.

Special Adviser to the UN Secretary-General Espen Barth Eide (Left), Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci (Middle), Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades (Right)

In statements to the press after his meeting on Tuesday with Akinci, in the framework of the UN-led negotiations on the Cyprus problem, and asked if his meeting with the UNSG and Akinci in New York has been arranged, President Anastasiades replied “not yet but deliberations are underway.” He said that the joint meeting of the two leaders with the SG will probably take place on September 26.

Anastasiades said that during his meeting with Akinci on Tuesday they discussed Cyprus problem chapters including those of the economy and EU affairs. Replying to a question, Anastasiades wished that the difficult issues they will face were as easy as these two chapters. Asked why these chapters have not closed yet and if significant differences are recorded, he replied negatively, noting that “there are however pending issues for which convergence is needed to close them once and for all.”

Invited to comment on information that a member of the Greek Cypriot negotiating team, Polis Polyviou expressed disagreement and resigned from the team, Anastasiades said that Polyviou did not quit adding that no one is prevented from having different opinions on legal issues.

He added that today he contacted Polyviou who did not express any intention to quit, adding that there was a disagreement between Polyviou and the Greek Cypriot negotiator which is legitimate and is not the only one.

He said that there were no disagreements among the negotiating team members that led to a conflict. On the contrary, “what I`ve been pursuing is to have a productive dialogue”, adding that each member of the team can express his concerns with a view to reach a final more positive view as to how issues are being addressed.

Anastasiades noted that in many occasions some of the lawyers participating in the negotiating team have different views and suggestions and this is something quite normal, adding that the required exchange of views takes place.

He added that this is why the team which supports that negotiator comprises nine members and this helps towards forming better positions to express during the negotiations.

Asked if the two sides will exchange proposals for example on the issue of territory or the issue of guarantees, the President said that they are exchanging thoughts and concerns and not proposals in writing.

He noted that he submitted proposals on the issue of guarantees and security, but this does mean that the other side is obliged to do so based on what has been agreed. Anastasiades added that dialogue and exchange of views will continue to see if they can reach arrangements based on the fact that the feeling of security of one community must not be a threat for the other.

Ask if they will discuss Akinci`s proposal on the issue of guarantees tomorrow, Anastasiades said that he did not tell anything about tomorrow, recalling that they will have three more meetings until September 14.

He noted that they will certainly continue to exchange views and make an effort to see how it is possible for everyone to understand that modern states, especially EU member states, do not need arrangements which may be considered as guardianship of one country over another.

Ask if these issues are linked with the territory issue, the President replied negatively, adding that they are completely different. He added that the territory issue is more linked with the property issue than with the security issue.

Asked about the dispute settlement mechanism and the issue of the foreign judge, the President noted that the negotiation is ongoing, adding that as regards the judicial authority there were concerns expressed by everyone participating in the negotiating team which he endorsed and conveyed to Akinci and which the Turkish Cypriot leaders` advisors also addressed in the same way. He added that justice is a very delicate issue.

Ask if a multilateral conference will take place, Anastasiades reiterated that if there is no adequate preparation or progress, there is no reason to have a multilateral conference “as it will not yield the results we are pursuing”.

On the contrary, he added, “it may lead to a wreckage even of the dialogue, which is currently on a good track.”

Asked if the results of the current phase of the negotiations will show if the Cyprus problem is close to a settlement, Anastasiades said it will depend from the outcome of the deliberations, adding that certainly this is a decisive phase.

He noted that given the will of both sides this phase is of decisive importance with a view to have a final outcome and achieve a settlement.

Cobalt airlines, following an announcement by the Ministry of Transport that it will look into recent incidents involving Cobalt flights, apologised today to all its customers who have been inconvenienced because of the disruptions to its scheduled operations.

The disruptions, Cobalt said, were due to the unusual circumstances, with technical problems on two aircraft at the same time.

In a press release, the company says that ”we continued to operate our schedule and most passengers were flown to their destinations with delays.”

”Although our passengers have been looked after, under the circumstances there are still a few whose transportation is pending. We are already in the process of communicating with them to offer alternative transportation. Moreover, we shall be contacting all inconvenienced passengers to cover any incidental expenses and to offer compensation for their delayed flights in accordance with EU regulations”, the press release adds.

The Ministry of Transport, Communications and Works, said on Sunday that the Civil Aviation Department will assess all the incidents involving Cobalt, adding that these may possibly relate to safety matters.

”Regarding recent events, which may be related to safety, the Ministry wishes to clarify that it has asked the Civil Aviation Department to assess all recent incidents in order to determine whether it is necessary to take any additional appropriate measures”, the Ministry press release said.

A fundraising campaign has been launched to urgently help a Cypriot family who lost their home in a fire in Palmers Green, on Monday 15^th August.

One of our listeners Georgia Melaris set-up the Go Fund Me campaign immediately following the incident and is hoping to give her friend a little relief at the difficult time.

If you like to find out more about the fundraising appeal then click on to the link here. 

https://www.gofundme.com/2jtnmj9w

A 19-year-old Norwegian national of Somali origin has been arrested on suspicion of murder after a 60-year-old woman from the US was stabbed to death and another five people were injured last night in a knife attack in Russell square .

The Met Police’s assistant commissioner for specialist operations, Mark Rowley, said: “We’ve found no evidence of radicalisation that would suggest the man in our custody is in anyway motivated by terrorism.”

Police believe the attack in central London on Wednesday was “spontaneous” and triggered by mental health issues.

The injured people were from Britain, America, Israel and Australia.

The month of July has been quite constructive in addressing difficulties in the framework of the Cyprus talks, President of the Republic, Nicos Anastasiades, said on Tuesday.

Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci (L) – President of the Republic of Cyprus Nicos Anastasiades (R)

The President was speaking to the media, at the Presidential Palace, upon his return from the meeting he had with Turkish Cypriot leader, Mustafa Akinci, in the framework of the UN-led talks for a solution to the Cyprus problem.

The meeting, the President said, was constructive and focused on internal security issues and jurisdiction.

Through the dialogue, he added, each side understands better the concerns of the other side and through a constructive contribution, improvements and progress are achieved.

Asked whether the two sides reached any convergences today, he said there have been some but refrained from elaborating.

The leaders will meet again on Friday, 29th of July. According to President Anastasiades during that meeting they will exchange general views on the issues of territorial adjustments, security and guarantees and properties.

“I have to say that especially July has been quite constructive in addressing, in solving difficulties that seemed for many times as insurmountable”, he stressed.

Replying to questions, the President said that after the summer break there will be a new intensified round the last ten days of August and the first ten days of September.

Asked if the Greek Cypriot side is satisfied with the resolution for the renewal of UNFICYP`s mandate (UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus), he said “I do not see what could cause problems either to our side or to any side”, adding that what matters is what is being done at the negotiating table.

Pointing out that there is a continuous progress on a series of issues, he said that nevertheless he can not give a positive note if the problems are not solved, including the properties chapter, the territorial adjustments, security and guarantees and other pending issues.

Asked whether the goal for a solution in 2016 is not within reach, he said that the goal and the wish is to achieve a solution this year but noted that this does not depend on our wish, it depends on the positions put forward at the negotiations.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. UN-led talks between Anastasiades and Akinci have been underway since May 2015, aiming to reunify the island under a federal roof.

Stylianos Sophokleous is known to travel across the bus network

Police are appealing for help to find an elderly man missing from Enfield.

Stylianos Sophokleous, 80, was last seen at approximately 08:00hrs on Saturday, 23 July when he left his home on Chatsworth Drive.

Mr Sophokleous is described as white, 5ft 9ins tall, of slim build with white hair.

When he was last seen, he was wearing a shirt and trousers.

Mr Sophokleous has dementia and may appear confused.

He is known to travel across the bus network.

Anyone who has seen Mr Sophokleous is asked to contact officers at Enfield via 101.

Source: news.met.police.uk

As UN backed talks between the President of Cyprus Nicos Anastasiades and the Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci to reunite the island under a federal roof continue, Cyprus marks on Wednesday the 42nd anniversary of the 1974 Turkish invasion.

Cyprus pays tribute to all those killed during the invasion, which resulted in the occupation of the island’s northern third.

The political and religious leadership remembers and condemns the continuing illegal occupation of Cyprus’ northern part and holds memorials and other commemorative events in the southern government-controlled areas of the Republic.

Air-raid sirens sounded at 0530 local time (0230 GMT) when the Turkish invasion was launched and Turkish troops landed on the island`s northern shores.

In the morning, a memorial service for army officers and soldiers killed during the invasion takes place at Makedonitissa Tomb in Nicosia, in the presence of President Anastasiades.

A formal church memorial service is held at Faneromeni Church in old Nicosia, to be attended by the President and the political leadership. A series of other anti-occupation events will also take place during the day.

In the evening an event will take place at the Presidential Palace marking the anniversaries of both the coup and the Turkish invasion.

Political parties and other associations and groups have issued statements, condemning the Turkish invasion and the continuing occupation and reiterating their determination to fight for a just and viable solution.

Turkish troops invaded Cyprus on 20 July 1974, following a military coup that toppled the legal government of the Republic which was engineered with the Greek military junta.

In a two-phase invasion and despite repeated calls by the UN Security Council, Turkey occupied 37% of the sovereign territory of the Cyprus. Ankara continues to maintain some 40,000 troops in the northern areas of Cyprus, in complete disregard of appeals for their withdrawal and calls to contribute to a political settlement through peace talks.

The consequences of Turkey’s illegal aggression were devastating and are still felt by the Cypriot people: gross violation of human rights, with hundreds of people still listed as missing, Greek Cypriot refugees in anticipation of a solution that would allow them to return home, enclaved Greek Cypriots being deprived of fundamental rights and the island’s 9,000 year old cultural heritage being pillaged.

A builder form Regent’s Park has been sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of 25 years for the rape and murder of a Cypriot teenager 34 years ago.

Yiannoulla Yianni

James Warnock, 56, strangled 17-year –old Yiannoulla Yianni in her own home in Belsize Road on August 13, 1982.

Warnock, who evaded justice for more than 30 years, was caught when his DNA was taken in December last year by Scotland Yard after he was arrested for sharing indecent pictures of children on the internet.

His DNA matched samples taken from the crime scene

In a statement, the family of the murdered teenager said: “For over half a lifetime, we have had to live with the daily torture of what happened to our daughter and sister Lucy.

“All who knew her, loved and adored her. Even through her death she deeply touched those involved in the investigation of her murder. We thank, from the bottom of our hearts, the police both past and present who have worked constantly and tirelessly to bring him to justice, especially those over the last six months. Our love and thanks to all who gave evidence and helped in this trial and to the family and friends who have supported us throughout.

“We now pray that we can move forward with the rest of our lives having some peace in knowing that her killer has been brought to justice and that a very dangerous man is no longer a threat to anyone else.”

British Cypriots once again demonstrated in great numbers at the annual ”Rally for Cyprus” in central London on Saturday 16 July, calling upon Turkey to end the 42-year long occupation of the northern part of the island.

The demonstrators gathered outside Turkey’s embassy, where a delegation of the rally’s organisers, the National Federation of Cypriots in the UK, led by its President Christos Karaolis delivered a resolution addressed to the Turkish Ambassador.

The resolution condemned the illegal Turkish invasion of 1974 and the ”unlawful and unjust military occupation and colonisation” of the northern part of Cyprus. ”Turkey must now change its intransigent stance on Cyprus and respond with positive actions to encourage progress in the direct negotiations taking place on the island towards a just and lasting settlement,” read the resolution text.

Speaking in front of the Turkish embassy, Mr Karaolis said: ”For 42 years Turkey occupies the northern part of Cyprus. We are here once again to send a message to the Turkish Ambassador and to Turkey, that enough is enough; now is the time for real deeds and not words to resolve to Cyprus issue.”

The Rally outside the embassy was followed by the annual march through central London, with the demonstrators holding Cypriot flags, banners and pickets and calling for a ”Free, United, Cyprus” and for ”Turkish troops to be removed from Cyprus”. GLA Member Andrew Dismore, Cypriot MEP Mr Takis Hadjigeorgiou and the Mayor of the occupied Town of Lapithos Mr. Neoptolemos Kotsapas also joined British Cypriots for the Rally.

Before this year’s Rally, 10,000 leaflets explaining the rights and demands of Cyprus were distributed at 15 central London locations with additional leaflets also distributed during the march.

Following the Rally, a delegation including Rt Hon Theresa Villiers, representatives of the Cypriot Women’s League, the leadership of the Federation, the Cyprus High Commissioner, H.E. Evripides Evriviades, and Greek Ambassador H.E. Konstantinos Bikas, laid a ‘Cyprus’ wreath at the Cenotaph.

Then the Federation President Mr Karaolis handed a letter addressed to the new Prime Minister of the UK Theresa May at the entrance of Downing Street. He was accompanied by the leadership of the Federation as well as the north London Conservative MP and long-standing friend of Cyprus Rt. Hon. Theresa Villiers. Mr Karaolis said that the letter congratulated Theresa May on her appointment and urged her ”to make sure that the Cyprus issue would be kept high on the political agenda of the UK.” As the letter to Mrs May pointed out, “you have the power to make a lasting difference in relation to Cyprus and now is the time to exercise this proactively and constructively.”

Theresa Villiers said: ”I have been campaigning for the freedom of Cyprus for 17 years. It is a great tragedy that Cyprus remains divided and I believe that it is crucial to keep on working hard for a negotiated settlement. We have a new Prime Minister in Britain, a whole new Government and a new Foreign Secretary and I will do whatever I can to make sure that Cyprus is high on their agenda. It is important to support the Cypriots to reach a lasting, balanced and just settlement to reunify the island and bring all of its people together once again.”

The President of the World Federation of Overseas Cypriots Andreas Papaevripides pledge on behalf of Cypriots abroad to keep fighting for Cyprus no matter how many years have passed – especially in the UK where the largest Cypriot overseas community lives. ”We will fight more than ever so that our positions are made known to the new UK Government,” he added.

Also at the rally were Federation officers and members of its Executive Bambos Charalambous (Federation Vice-President), Michael Kashis (Federation Vice-President), George Adonis (Federation Vice-President), Ninos Koumettou (Treasurer), Neophytos Nicolaou (General Secretary), Marios Minaides (President, Greek Orthodox Communities of the UK), Antonia Savvides (President, NEPOMAK), Michael Ellinas, Suzy Constantinides (Chair, Organising Committee), Menicos Kouvaros, Tony Vouros and veteran Executive Secretary Andreas Karaolis.

The Greek-Cypriot press core in London hosted a dinner on Monday in honour of his Excellency Konstantinos Bikas (pictured below), Ambassador of Greece in the UK, who after four years of successful service in Britain will depart in a few days to his new post in Tel-Aviv.

Cyprus High Commissioner Euripides Evriviades also attended the function.

Left to Right-Standing: Doros Partasides (RIK),Mary Afxentiou(Parikiaki),Thanasis Gavos (RIK,CNA,SKAI), Michael Yakoumi (Parikiaki), Panagiotis Charalampous (LGR), Jan Manoulides (Distinguished Lawyer) – Seating: John Kyriakides (Executive Director-LGR), Evdoxia Lymperi (ERT), Euripides Evriviades (Cyprus High Commissioner), Konstantinos Bikas (Ambassador of Greece), Kyriakos Tsioupras (Veteran Journalist), Isaac Karypides (Ant1,Astra)