NEWS
Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades has said that the Greek Cypriot and the Turkish Cypriot side have agreed on a definition as regards the issue of the legal domicile and exercising the four EU fundamental freedoms by the citizens of a future federal Cyprus.
Today’s meeting was creative, but there are still a lot of things to do, President Anastasiades said
In statements to the press after his four-hour long meeting on Tuesday with the Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci, in the framework of the UN-led negotiations on the Cyprus problem, Anastasiades said that they also discussed issues concerning the effective participation of Turkish Cypriots, adding that differences still remain on this issue.
There has been however an agreement on a definition as regards the legal domicile and the safeguarding of the four freedoms, “however some issues remain pending as certain details have to be clarified,” he added.
“There is a problem as they raise an issue relating to the regulation of the right to property acquisition,” the President said, recalling that this issue was first raised in Geneva. He said that the discussion will continue to find ways to overcome this problem. “I hope that we will reach a conclusion on this, if the other side has a constructive approach,” he added.
Anastasiades said that even though the right of abode has been determined – the right to work, the right to settlement, the right to property acquisition etc – “nevertheless there are certain differences, also concerning the issue of those who will be entitled to be considered citizens with legal domicile.”
The President said that they also agreed that during the EBRD 2017 Annual Meeting and Business Forum that will take place here, several international organizations will discuss issues concerning the post-solution economy.
He also noted that on May 10 the two leaders will meet with the head of European Commission President Jean Claude Juncker`s office to review the progress achieved at the Ad hoc Committee dealing with the Turkish Cypriots` harmonization.
Anastasiades said that this issue very important in that it will show whether the Turkish Cypriots will be able to harmonise fully in case of a political settlement, to allow the acquis communautaire to apply from day one of a solution.
Asked if the issue of the four freedoms has to do with the Turkish citizens, Anastasiades replied negatively, noting that it concerns the citizens of a future federal Republic of Cyprus.
Responding to other questions, Anastasiades said that the percentage of 20% concerning the political rights has been agreed, adding that “what we have said is that the right to free movement, settlement, work and acquiring property does not automatically entitle someone to have the right to legal domicile.”
“Someone will have to decide that he will stay somewhere legally. Their number may rise to 20% (Greek Cypriots in the Turkish Cypriot constituent state and Turkish Cypriots in the Greek Cypriot constituent state) or if it exceeds this percentage then weighted voting will apply at local elections,” he added.
Invited to say if he believes that the Geneva Conference on Cyprus may proceed after today`s meeting, President Anastasiades said that “there are still many issues to be examined, and I have made it clear that it is not enough to have an agreement on the definition of the right to exercise the four freedoms.”
Anastasiades said that he suggested that all limits should be exhausted by the end of May-mid June where this is deemed necessary, and if the necessary progress is achieved, then they shall proceed with a Conference in Geneva.
He noted that the Greek Cypriot side is not against such a Conference since it is Turkey which will have to outline its positions on the issues of guarantees, security and all relevant issues.
“Today’s meeting was creative, but there are still a lot of things to do,” he added.
Responding to another question, Anastasiades underlined that he will not discuss the continuation of the Geneva Conference in combination with the suspension of the Republic of Cyprus sovereign rights, noting that this is out of question and was not discussed at the negotiating table.
Moreover he said that the issue of the four freedoms for Turkish citizens was not discussed during today`s meeting.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkish troops invaded and occupied 37% of its territory. UN-led talks between Anastasiades and Akinci have been underway since May 2015 with a view to reunite the island under a federal roof.
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Cypriot singer Hovig will represent Cyprus in the up coming Eurovision Song Contest, which takes place at International Exhibition Centre IEC in Kyiv. He will sing ‘Gravity’ written by Thomas G:Son, a Swedish producer, well-known in Eurovision circles.
Hovig Demirdjian was confirmed as the island’s representative on 16th October 2016, internally selected by the Cypriot broadcaster CyBc. It was stipulated then that G:Son would be responsible for producing the song. The Swede’s involvement in last year’s Cypriot Eurovision entry means he composes the country’s tune for a second year.
Hovig
28 years-old Hovig was born in Nicosia and is a Cypriot artist of Armenian origin. Hovig, whose mother is Cypriot, says he is proud to fly the Cypriot flag at the 2017 contest.
The song’s official video clip, which was exclusively released on 1st March on Eurovision.tv features dancer Natalia Michael. The video was filmed by Emilios Avraam using the CyBc’s studios in Nicosia.
Hovig explained on his Facebook page the idea of gravity in this song, suggesting it’s a concept that can be interpreted to mean different things to all listeners.
“Anyone can relate and interpret “GRAVITY” into their lover, their religion, their family. To anything that gives them support and push to keep going. It’s a bigger power encouraging anyone to continue their path. “I’ll catch u when u fall”. Who comes into ur mind saying this to u? Is it your God? Ur mum? Ur partner? Or maybe even ur own self doing some reflection?”
The reaction to the song was impressive to say the least as it exceeded over 1.000.000 views in the first month since the release on Eurovision.tv. It is a radio-friendly pop track with electronic beats throughout the song.
The information we have about the Cypriot live Eurovision performance, is that Hovig will be joined on stage by a couple of dancers, who have been named as Marios Charalambous and Pavlos Lazarou Kertepene. They will be seeking to re-create the video’s atmospheric feel. It is a team which comprises talented stage director, choreographer Charis Savva, also vocal coach Christos Kyriakides and his costume designer Notis Panagiotou, who is to fit Hovig with his Eurovision’s outfit.
The Cypriot delegation will be quietly optimistic about their qualifying chances for a third year, following the recent successes by Minus One and John Karayiannis.
The Cyprus entry competes in the First Eurovision Semi-Final, which airs on Tuesday 9th May, televised live on BBC 4. Hovig will be hoping to advance to the Eurovision Final on Saturday 13th May 2017.
If you haven’t watched ‘Gravity’ yet, check out the official video here:
Article written by Tony Neophytou
The agenda of the next meeting between the two leaders, Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades and Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci, has been agreed between the two negotiators Andreas Mavroyiannis and Ozdil Nami at a meeting they had on Thursday.
The agenda of their next meeting has been agreed
The discussion during the meeting between Mavroyiannis and Nami which took place in the presence of UN SG`s Special Adviser on Cyprus Espen Barth Eide was “very productive,” CNA sources have said.
The same sources added that the agenda of the meeting between the two leaders next Tuesday has been agreed.
This was the last meeting between the two negotiators before the leaders` meeting.
Article written by CNA
Demands by the Turkish side at the Geneva Conference on the Cyprus problem last January and onwards have led to difficulties in the UN-led peace talks, Deputy Government Spokesman Victoras Papadopoulos has said.
Deputy Government Spokesman Victoras Papadopoulos
He pointed out however that the Greek Cypriot side will continue to show political will and will keep trying with all means available for progress in the negotiations for the reunification of Cyprus.
Papadopoulos was talking to the press after today’s meeting of the National Council, the top advisory body to the President on the Cyprus issue. The political leaders were briefed by President Nicos Anastasiades on the talks, which resumed last week following a two month suspension because the Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci walked out condemning a decision taken by the Cyprus House on the 1950 enosis (union) referendum.
He said that the National Council also exchanged views on the situation in Turkey following the referendum on April 16 for constitutional reforms as well as Ankara`s provocations in Cyprus` exclusive economic zone ( EEZ). Turkey has issued a navigational warning (NAVTEX) and has reserved an area within the territorial sea, continental shelf and exclusive economic zone of Cyprus off the coast of Famagusta for the conduct of seismic surveys, between 21 April and 30 June 2017, by the survey vessel “BARBAROS HAYREDDIN PAŞA” and support vessel “BRAVO SUPPORTER”.
Papadopoulos described the meeting as fruitful, saying that the exchange of ideas took place in a very good atmosphere.
Invited to comment on statements about a stalemate in the talks, he said that convergences and progress were made in the past, but now “we are faced with some difficulties and our side is showing good will to help overcome them.”
He added that the Greek Cypriot side will not abandon the negotiating table and the efforts to solve the Cyprus problem, and will intensify these efforts for progress to take place.
Papadopoulos also said that soon there will be another meeting of the National Council.
Replying to a question on possible efforts made by some to attribute responsibilities to the President, as well as to the Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci, Papadopoulos said that he is not aware of who is trying to attribute such responsibilities.
He underlined that the Greek Cypriot side is showing real political will and the President himself has taken bold decisions in the past in order for the dialogue to move forward. He also said that at this point it is not wise to get involved in a blame game and should remain focused on the aim to reunify our country.
Asked what steps have been taken to address the Turkish provocations in Cyprus` EEZ, he said that too many things have been done with respect to developments at any given time. Papadopoulos said that that patience and unity should prevail.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkish troops invaded and occupied its northern third. UN-backed talks aim to reunite the island under a federal roof.
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The Cyprus House plenary passed on Friday, by 30 votes in favour and 20 against, a bill tabled by the ruling Democratic Rally (DISY) party for a legislative amendment to shift decision-making power on school celebrations from the Parliament to the Ministry of Education.
Thirty MPs vote in favour and twenty against DISY’s bill
The bill was tabled by three DISY MPs Kyriakos Hadjiyiannis, Georgios Karoullas and Annita Demetriou, in the aftermath of a dispute caused by the introduction of a brief annual commemoration of the 1950 Enosis (union with Greece) referendum in state schools, prompting Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci to withdraw from the reunification talks until the decision was rescinded.
The UN announced on Tuesday that talks for a Cyprus solution will resume on April 11.
Article written by CNA
Zoe Tiganouria
The famous Greek composer and singer
Zoe Tiganouria LIVE in London.
Sunday 14th May at 7:45pm.
Also making a special appearance and well known in our community is Elena Hadjiafxendi.
Millfield Theatre,
Millfield Arts Centre,
Silver Street,
Edmonton,
N18 1PJ
Tickets:
Front Seats: £20
Further Back: £15
Telephone for reservations:
Millfield Theatre: 020 8807 6680
For more information call LGR on: 0208 349 6950
Article written by London Greek Radio
Talks for a Cyprus solution will resume on April 11, the Special Adviser of the UN Secretary-General on Cyprus, Espen Barth Eide, announced on Tuesday.
Archive photo: President Anastasiades (L) – T/C Leader Mustafa Akinci (R)
According to a press release issued by the Secretary-General`s Good Offices Mission in Cyprus “Cyprus talks will resume following consultations with both sides and today’s meeting between the Secretary-General and the Turkish Cypriot Leader, Mr. Mustafa Akinci in Brussels”.
It adds that leaders will resume negotiations on Tuesday 11 April, at 10am local time (07.00 GMT) and the meeting will be held under the auspices of Eide.
The resumption of talks was announced earlier by Espen Barth Eide, who posted on his twitter account that “After consultations with @AnastasiadesCY & @MustafaAkinci_1 following Sunday`s dinner, we have agreed that #CyptusTalks resume 11 April”.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. UN-backed efforts to reunify the island under a federal roof were suspended when Mustafa Akinci walked out of a meeting in mid February, claiming that a House decision to commemorate, briefly, in school a 1950 referendum advocating union with Greece was in fact a shift in the long standing position of the Greek Cypriot side for a bicommunal, bizonal federal solution in Cyprus.
President Anastasiades has described the decision “wrong”, saying the timing was not right. Akinci said he would not return to the negotiations unless the decision is revoked. The House is set to vote on an amendment on the bill, which essentially annuls the earlier House decision, on Friday 7 April.
The UN Secretary General Special Adviser Espen Barth Eide hosted a dinner last Sunday for President Nicos Anastasiades and the Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci. In an announcement, issued after the dinner, the UN noted that the two leaders reconfirmed their joint commitment to finding a solution in the best interest of all Cypriots and exchanged ideas about the way ahead.
Furthermore, the announcement said that Espen Barth Eide would continue his interaction with them in order to lay the groundwork for the resumption of the negotiations as soon as possible.
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Anyone following his career would know that Greek Cypriot singer Kyriacos Georgiou has been enjoying huge success at Spin Records, an independent Greek label. With the release of his latest hit, ‘Κατειλημμένος’ London Greek Radio caught up with Kyri for an exclusive interview about his new single and his exciting plans for the future.
Kyriacos started by talking to LGR about his American tour last January.
“Yes I’ve been keeping myself busy as usual. I have just come off tour from America. I was singing to the Greek Americans on the cruise line Freedom of the Seas by the Royal Caribbean. It was an amazing experience as I got to meet many Greeks from all over America for the second year running.”
His new single ‘Kateilimmenos’ can be described as an up-beat Laiko tsifteteli that has gone straight into the London Greek Radio playlist.
“I just released my new song called ‘Kateilimmenos’ lyrics by Jackpot and music by Giannis Ieremias. I’m happy to be working with this team as we previously worked on many projects before together and we have a great bond and friendship in the studio.
I’m really excited about my new upbeat single and hope that it is liked by my fans and followers.”
The Official Lyric video which was uploaded to the Spin Records YouTube channel has greatly surpassed 100,000 views. Kyri talks to us about its immediate success:
“It’s only just been released but I am getting a really good response and I’m really happy about that! We managed to hit 120.000 views in just under a month and we have only just started promo on it. I hope it carries on like this.”
Kyriacos also revealed that he will be returning to the recording studio soon. He is to follow-up ‘Kateilimmenos’ with a new summer single. He is also in talks with potential venues in Athens looking to confirm where he’ll be performing at the bouzoukia, throughout the up-coming hot season. The work will mean he is often absent from London for long periods and often thinks of home a lot.
“In London I miss my family and friends most but I come over often as much as I can to visit.
Apart from that I want to thank Tony from LGR for always supporting & backing me up in my music career. Thanks Tony & the LGR team for all the support!”
We are looking forward to the new tune and as soon as we have it on our hands, it will be straight on the London Greek Radio air waves. Meanwhile, check out ‘Kateilimmenos’ his current hit, below:
Article written by Tony Neophytou
Following an explosion that has taken place today in the St. Petersburg metro, Cyprus Ministry of Foreign Affairs announces that on the basis of currently available information, it appears that no Cypriot citizen has come of harm.
Entrance of Cyprus Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Nicosia
It also notes that it is following closely the situation, in coordination with Cyprus` Embassy in Moscow and Consulate General in St. Petersburg. The Ministry says that will continue to monitor the situation closely.
For more information, Cypriot citizens can contact the Consulate General in St. Petersburg or the Ministry’s Crisis Management Centre, as follows:
Consulate General in St. Petersburg
Contact information during office hours (9:00 – 16:30, Monday – Friday)
Address
Furshtatskaya Ulitsa 27
191123 St. Petersburg
Tel.: + 7 812 456 22 55
Tel. from Cyprus: + 357 22 65 1517
Fax: + 7 812 456 22 66
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.cyprus-spb.ru
Contact information during out of office hours
Tel: +7 921 751 40 84
+7 921 186 62 76
Ministry Crisis Management Centre
Tel.: +35722801000
+35797775998
Email: [email protected]
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The funeral of singer George Michael took place today during a private ceremony with his family and close friends.
A statement released on behalf of the family today read:
‘We can confirm that the funeral of the singer George Michael took place today. Family and close friends gathered for the small, private ceremony to say goodbye to their beloved Son, Brother and Friend.
‘George Michael’s family would like to thank his fans across the world for their many messages of love and support. We ask that the family’s wish for privacy be respected so that they can continue to live their lives privately, away from any media intrusion.
‘No further details will be released.’
Michael’s funeral had been delayed while his family waited for a coroner’s report to determine his cause of death. It was confirmed on March 7 that George died of ‘natural causes’.
George Michael died in December last year at the age of 53.
Article written by London Greek Radio
