London Greek Radio

President of the Republic of Cyprus Nicos Anastasiades (pictured) has announced Confidence Building Measures in an effort to strengthen the negotiating process due to resume next month.

In a written statement on Tuesday, issued only two days after the election of Mustafa Akinci to the leadership of the Turkish Cypriot community, President Anastasiades said he hoped the measures will create a climate of trust and hope among the entire people of Cyprus, Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots.

The measures include information and maps with regard to anti-personnel minefields in the northern Turkish occupied areas and transferring to EVKAF (religious foundation) the management of the Muslim places of worship that are in the southern government controlled areas and belong to Turkish Cypriots.

In his statement, Anastasiades announced the measures “on the occasion of the resumption of the talks and my strong conviction for the need to create a climate of trust that will be working toward strengthening the negotiating procedure”.

During the “first joint meeting with Mr. Akinci, I intend to hand over maps and information with regard to 28 anti-personnel minefields in the Pendadaktylos area”, the President said.

He also announced the “transfer of the management to Evkaf of the Muslim places of worship that are in the free areas, and which belong to the Turkish Cypriot community and are not under the protection for foreign embassies”.

Anastasiades further said a “decision has been made to hire Turkish speaking officers at the Citizen Service Centers in Nicosia so that the service to our Turkish Cypriot compatriots is made easier”.

He welcomed “the effort that is under way to unify football in Cyprus and I hope that it is concluded successfully at the earliest possible”.

Anastasiades said that it “is well-known that for the purpose stated above I had suggested a mutually beneficial set of Confidence Building Measures, and it is with special satisfaction that I ascertain the willingness of the new leader of the Turkish Cypriots, Mr. Akinci, to engage in a dialogue for the adoption of the Measures that will secure a climate of trust and hope among the entire people of Cyprus, Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots”.

In a landslide victory on Sunday, Akinci garnered over 60% of the vote and his opponent Dervis Eroglu 39%.

UN-led peace talks are expected to resume in May, with the top UN Cyprus envoy arriving on the island next week to prepare the ground for the resumption of the talks.

Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades (pictured) will be meeting the new Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci on Saturday at noon, following a telephone conversation the two had on Tuesday morning. The venue is yet to be announced.

Government Spokesman Nicos Christodoulides told the press today that the telephone conversation took place at the initiative of President Anastasiades and explained this will be a social meeting, however the Cyprus problem and the resumption of the peace talks will be on the agenda.

Replying to a question on the issue of the Turkish occupied city of Famagusta, the Spokesman said that the only proposal on the table, for which the international community is already aware of, is the proposal submitted by President Anastasiades which refers to the fenced off area of Famagusta (Varosha).

Invited to comment on statements by Akinci n the issue, the Spokesman said the Greek Cypriot side is aware of his public statements only. “When we are specifically briefed, then we will be able to comment,” he added.

Replying to another question on the illegal airport in occupied Tymbou, the Spokesman said that when Confidence Building Measures were discussed between President Anastasiades and former Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu, no such thing was included in the document submitted by the Turkish Cypriot side.

He noted that the issue of the operation of the illegal airport is often included in public statements and that the Greek Cypriot side has no official information to this end.

Christodoulides also said that President Anastasiades will be presiding over a meeting of the National Council soon.

To another question about an exchange of words in public between Akinci and Turkish President Tayip Erdogan, the Spokesman said that Cyprus government monitors closely developments related to this incident.

“We watch an attempt by Akinci to break free from Turkey`s dependence. We are sure that the UN and the foreign governments who are interested in the Cyprus problem closely follow these developments. We will also keep following developments and will comment accordingly“, the Spokesman said.

Akinci was elected new leader of the Turkish Cypriot community during a run-off election last Sunday.

Referring to UNSG Special Envoy`s visit to Cyprus, Christodoulides said that Espen Barth Eide will be arriving on the island next Monday.

Commenting on a statement attributed to UNSG Spokesman on “two governments“ on the island, Christodoulides said that Cyprus has made representations to the UN, pointing out however that “we should not doubt the obvious, that Cyprus Republic is the only recognised government on the island.”

Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. A new round of UN-backed talks to reunite the island under a federal roof is set to commence in the next weeks.

The forthcoming UK General Election on 7th May 2015 represents a unique opportunity for UK Cypriots to exercise their democratic right and to vote for the party and parliamentary candidate of their choice. We urge all Cypriots in the United Kingdom eligible to vote in the General Election to do so. British Cypriots should first ensure that they are registered to vote: you have until the 20th April to register, if you are not already on the electoral register*.

Importantly for UK Cypriots, this election comes at a sensitive time for Cyprus with negotiations to rid the island of Turkey’s military occupation and to reunite the country due to recommence. The UK is a Guarantor Power of the independence and territorial integrity of the Republic of Cyprus and has important responsibilities by virtue of that role, as well as through its permanent membership of the United Nations Security Council and as a leading member of the European Union and the Commonwealth, not to mention the responsibility of all states to uphold international law and human rights.

The General Election is an opportunity for British Cypriots to raise the Cyprus problem’s profile on the political agenda of this country. For this brief period in the electoral cycle, all political parties will be seeking our views. The remaining days before polling are our chance to highlight the Cyprus problem repeatedly to those people who seek to represent us over the coming years and to seek to make it a priority on the foreign policy agenda of the new UK government. This is even more important at a time when so many new MPs are likely to be elected.

We have a responsibility as a community to make candidates from all parties aware of the plight of Cyprus and Britain’s historic responsibilities to the island and its people.

This election is also an opportunity for UK Cypriots to support Members of Parliament from all parties who are seeking re-election and who have a proven track record of working with us and supporting and promoting the cause of a reunited Cyprus in Parliament. We urge British Cypriots to vote for such candidates on 7th May 2015.

In conclusion, we call upon all British Cypriots to use the remaining critical period before polling day to inform, discuss with and lobby the people who seek our votes.

* Register to vote by going to www.gov.uk/register-to-vote

The military parade marking the anniversary of March 25, the Greek Independence Day, has concluded in downtown Athens.

Festivities are currently underway with traditional dances, music and high spirits, despite the rainy weather.

President of Republic Prokopis Pavlopoulos attended the parade along with Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras, Parliament Speaker Zoi Konstantopoulou and ND leader Antonis Samaras.

This year’s March 25 festivities marking Greek Independence Day and the Feast of the Annunciation are different to what Greeks are used to. The ‘alternative’ festivities resemble a Balkan feast with a number of parallel events that include Greek traditional songs and dances in downtown Syntagma.

Cyprus marks Greek National Day with island-wide celebrations

Cyprus celebrated on Wednesday the Greek National Day, with religious services and pupils` parades in all major cities throughout the free areas of the Republic of Cyprus.

Celebrations in the capital, Nicosia, centered around the Panayia Phaneromeni Church, in the old part of the town, where a commemoration service was attended in the morning by the President of the Republic, Nicos Anastasiades, the President of the House Yiannakis Omirou and representatives of political parties, of the military leadership and of the Greek Embassy.

The service to commemorate the begin of the Greek independence struggle, in 1821, was officiated by Archbishop Chrysostomos II of Cyprus, while MEP Costas Mavrides has addressed the panegyric of the Day.

Later on, President Anastasiades attended the pupils` parade, in front of the Embassy of Greece, in Nicosia, and afterwards he addressed a reception, hosted by the Greek Embassy to honor the Day.

Similar celebrations were also held in Limassol, Larnaca, Paphos and other smaller towns.

Cyprus Government Spokesman Nikos Christodoulides (pictured) has expressed Nicosia’s disappointment and regret for the fact that not all fellow EU member countries offered their support regarding the violations of the country’s sovereign rights in its exclusive economic zone (EEZ) by Turkey.

“Solidarity among partners is a two-way street. On the issue of Ukraine, Cyprus has consistently participated in the EU consensus, actively supporting the EU position, even though it has entailed a significant cost for the Cyprus economy at a time when it is recovering from the blow suffered by the March 2013 Eurogroup decision. We expect the same solidarity from our EU partners on issues that are of vital importance to us,” said Christodoulides during an event held at the Houses of Parliament in Westminster on Wednesday evening.

He called on the European partners to ask themselves “what it says about the credibility of the EU and whether it is acceptable that there was such a strong reaction by the EU vis-à-vis Russia in the context of the Ukraine crisis, while the EU has opted for a very cautious approach when it comes to Turkey’s – a candidate country’s – actions in Cyprus, an EU member state.”

The Government Spokesman was addressing an audience of British parliamentarians and members of London’s Cypriot community. He started off by providing a comprehensive summary of the way the latest round of talks on the Cyprus issue has developed, strongly criticising Turkey for its actions over the EEZ of the Republic. As he noted, these actions left President Anastasiades with no other option but to suspend the Greek Cypriot side’s participation in the negotiations. “It is abundantly clear that Turkey’s actions, in the midst of the negotiations for a comprehensive settlement, serves only to seriously undermine the negotiating process and raise more serious doubts as to Turkey’s commitment to reaching a settlement, and contributing concretely to this direction,” he added.

Christodoulides stressed that the Greek Cypriot side has made it clear that it is ready to return to the negotiations provided that Turkish provocations seize. He pointed to a number of proposals by President Anastasiades that would allow the negotiations to resume, which “were unfortunately rejected by the other side.”

With regard to the recent visit by the President of the Cyprus Republic to Russia, the Government Spokesman said it was part of the long-standing practice of keeping all permanent members of the UN Security Council duly and equally informed of the latest developments. “A small country like Cyprus, with 37% of its territory under military occupation by Turkey, cannot afford to ignore any of the permanent members of the UN Security Council,” noted Nikos Christodoulides.

He also referred to the traditionally proactive and supportive role Russia assumes in the Security Council when Cyprus is discussed, contrasting this to “difficulties” Cyprus often faces with the stance adopted by other UNSC permanent members.

As for the intense media scrutiny the President’s visit received, the Government Spokesman commented that the reports “often ignored the fact that in all meetings President Anastasiades pressed the EU’s united and principled stance on the Ukraine crisis.” Referring to the agreements signed in Moscow, he said that the Agreement on Military Cooperation updates and codifies the ongoing framework of operational cooperation between the two countries, and that the MoU on Naval Cooperation spells out existing naval aspects of this cooperation in an implementing document for improved operation purposes on a case by case clearance by Cypriot authorities, already provided to the Russian fleet.

Christodoulides also spoke about Cyprus’ central and decisive role in promoting security and stability in the turbulent region of the Eastern Mediterranean, highlighting the key role the country is playing in tackling terrorism – by supporting form the very beginning the coalition against ISIS and contributing in the international community’s efforts in every possible way.

He made a special reference to regional cooperation and synergies created with Cyprus assuming an active role in building them and noted the potential of the hydrocarbon discoveries in the EEZ of the republic of Cyprus: “They have the potential of transforming the island into an important pillar for implementing the EU’s policy to enhance energy security by securing alternative supply corridors.”

As for the country’s economy, he said that the full implementation of an ambitious economic reform and consolidation program, along with the sacrifices by the resilient Cypriot people, is yielding tangible and positive results sooner than expected. “We have not yet reached the end of the road, but we are certainly approaching the end of the economic crisis,” said the Government Spokesman.

The event was hosted by a number of MPs from all major parties in association with the President of National Federation of Cypriots in the UK, Peter Droussiotis.

Droussiotis said in his introductory speech that Turkey remains defiant – “an occupying force unwilling to take the steps which will bring unity to Cyprus as well as stability to the island and the wider region.” He added that Turkey seems intent to undermine the settlement efforts, as demonstrated by its illegal incursions into Cyprus’s EEZ. He also accused the international community of applying double standards in reference to the reaction over the Ukraine crisis and in comparison to the reaction against Turkey.

Labour MP Gareth Thomas praised the Cypriot government for the way it has approached the talks and said that although Turkey has an important role to play in terms of regional security, it has to do its bit to help reunify the island.

David Burrowes, a Conservative MP in north London, said that the UK has a heavy burden and responsibility to try and find practical ways in seeking a solution to the Cyprus issue, and he also highlighted the importance of returning Famagusta to its lawful inhabitants.

Jim Sheridan from the Labour Party raised the question of the contrast in the international response to the situation in Ukraine and the one in Cyprus and Sir Alan Meale, also a Labour MP, wondered what is the point of being part of the EU family if the rights of one member are not safeguarded by the rest.

The UK Minister for Europe has reiterated his government’s full support for all UN Security Council resolutions relevant to the return of Famagusta to its lawful inhabitants.

David Lidington was responding to a question posed by the north London Conservative MP David Burrowes, a long-standing friend of Cyprus, regarding steps taken by the Foreign Secretary “to support the return of Famagusta in accordance with the UNSC Resolutions 550 (1984) and 789 (1992).”

In his written answer the Foreign Office minister stated that he understands the strength of feeling about Varosha, the present state of which reflected the consequences of the continued division of Cyprus.

“We fully support all relevant Security Council resolutions, including Resolutions 550 and 789. We have raised this issue with the Turkish Cypriots and with the Turkish authorities,” read Mr Lidington’s answer.

He added that he remains convinced that, ultimately, a comprehensive settlement is the best chance of resolving these complex issues. “The UK will continue to support the UN-led negotiations which will address the questions of Varosha, Famagusta and other issues related to a comprehensive settlement,” he continued.

He also stated that the British government welcomes confidence building measures between the two communities, as they can have great value in fostering reconciliation and facilitating a comprehensive settlement.

He specifically referred to a meeting he hosted at the Foreign Office on 2 March at which Chambers of Commerce of both Greek and Turkish Cypriot communities were represented by their Presidents, both of whom spoke about the way in which a settlement would increase the prosperity of everyone on the island.

The UK Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond will address the Cypriot community at an event hosted by the Conservative Friends of Cyprus on Tuesday 24 March in north London.

The free event, which is open to supporters of CFCyprus, will include a speech from Philip Hammond outlining the Government`s position on Cyprus and highlighting the steps taken since David Cameron became Prime Minister to strengthen bilateral ties with the Republic of Cyprus.

Many Parliamentary friends of Cyprus, including Theresa Villiers, David Burrowes, Nick de Bois, Mike Freer, Matthew Offord, Sir Roger Gale and Sir David Amess, will also speak at the event.

Jason Charalambous, Chairman of CFCyprus, has said “this will be an exciting opportunity to hear from the Foreign Secretary and MPs about Britain`s strengthening relationship with Cyprus and the steps the Conservative Party proposes to take to improve bilateral ties if they win the General Election in May.”

CFCyprus is a member-led organisation that was founded in 1991. It seeks to promote the Conservative Party across the UK and to strengthen the relationship between the Conservative Party and the Republic of Cyprus.

A charismatic and inspiring man walks around London with one mission and one message: To forward the smile. Angelo Pangalos inspires and encourages people to share a smile with strangers.

Some years back, Angelo’s whole life was turned upside down due to illness and it was these hard times which led to and fuel his current ethos. He reflects: “I remember I was hitting my head on the wall and I was so down that I took my pen and I wrote on my wall really big, I just want to die.”

Now, his mission is to lighten the day of total strangers. Part of this involves transforming typical tube journeys into fun sing-along experiments. With a deck of cards and a guitar he brings light to the tube journeys and engages with strangers, recognizing the importance of social interactions. Angelo finds fulfillment through this project and by sharing smiles and stories with strangers.

“When you are broken, you have nothing else to lose” he exclaims. Angelo’s purpose is not recognition or fame, nor to receive money from strangers. Simply, he aims to spread happiness around him and paint the world with smiles.

And so, we share a smile with Angelos and also share his story with you, in hope that he inspires each and every one of you, to forward a smile today.

David Burrowes, a north London Conservative MP and long standing friend of Cyprus, raised the Cyprus question during a foreign policy session at the House of Commons on Tuesday afternoon.

“There is a country in Europe which is occupied and divided for over 40 years; that’s Cyprus. What priority is the Government giving to solving the Cyprus problem?” was the question Mr Burrowes addressed to the Foreign Office heads.

The response was given by the Minister for Europe David Lidington: “We continue to give strong support to the UN envoy Espen Eide and his efforts to bring the two communities in Cyprus together. A settlement would be in the interest of all communities in Cyprus.”

Lidington added that he welcomed the meeting hosted at the Foreign Office on Monday at which the Chambers of Commerce from both the Greek and Turkish Cypriot communities were represented by their presidents. “They both spoke eloquently about how a settlement would help the prosperity of everybody on the island,” commented the Minister.

An opinion survey has found that Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots feel Cypriots above all and they are positive to establishing a Cypriot identity as an element that would bring the inhabitants of the divided island of Cyprus together, Chairman of the University of Nicosia Board Nicos Peristianis told a press conference on Wednesday.

Peristianis presented the results of the survey conducted by IMR/University of Nicosia on behalf of the New Cyprus Association, according to which the fulfillment of this desire is not easy due to the lack of a collective identity and substantive communication between the two sides as well as because Cypriots find it difficult to imagine ways of building a “joint roof” and a common future.

Invited to determine their identity, Greek Cypriots responded: 48% Cypriot, 43% more Cypriot than Greek/equally Cypriot and Greek, 9% Greek/more Greek than Cypriot. Responds from the Turkish Cypriot side were: 88% Cypriot, 6% equally Cypriot and Turk, 6% Turk/Turkish Cypriot.

Asked how useful it would be to have a common Cypriot identity, Greek Cypriots replied: 67% very useful/quite useful and Turkish Cypriots 80% very useful/quite useful.

Moreover, 27% of the Greek Cypriots said that it would be better for a Cypriot identity to be established prior to a solution to the Cyprus problem, 26% both prior and after a solution and 24% after a solution, while 23% responded negatively. Turkish Cypriots replied 76% before a solution, 16% both before and after a solution and 8% after a solution

With regard to the type of the solution 44% of the Greek Cypriots and 15% of the Turkish Cypriots were in favour of a united state, 24% of the Greek Cypriots and 30% of the Turkish Cypriots in favour of a federation, 14% of Greek Cypriots and 29% of Turkish Cypriots in favour of two separate states, 8% of the Greek Cypriots and 19% of the Turkish Cypriots in favour of the current situation and 4% of the Greek Cypriots and 5% of the Turkish Cypriots in favour of a confederation.

The survey involved 500 telephone conversations and was conducted using a structured questionnaire for each of the two communities during the period of November to December 2014.