CYPRUS, ARMENIA TO PROMOTE CLOSER COOPERATION
Cypriot news agency
Nov 4 2008
Nicosia, Nov 5 (CNA) – Cyprus and Armenia are determined to enhance
their cooperation in the future, Justice and Public Order Minister
Kypros Chrysostomides [Kipros Khrisostomidhis] and Armenian Minister
of Justice Gevorg Danielyan have said.
Chrysostomides said during the official talks, earlier today, they
exchanged views and experiences, noting that relations between the
two countries are traditionally excellent.
He explained to Danielyan the responsibilities of his ministry and
they talked about the Police, the Central Prisons, the Fire Service,
the State Archives, the Courts and equality between men and women.
Chrysostomides said they reiterated the intention and determination
of the two governments for closer cooperation in the future. Already,
he said, there are cooperation agreements to fight organized crime
and there is also an agreement to avoid double taxation.
The Cypriot Minister said House Speaker Marios Garoyian [Karoyian]
will visit Armenia next week while President of the Republic Demetris
Christofias [Dhimitris Khristofias] will visit in the spring.
"We will remain in touch to promote the agreement and handle common
issues which the two countries are facing. Cooperation at international
organizations is a fact and respect of international law defines the
wider policy", he added.
Speaking through an interpreter, Danielyan said their meeting
signalled the start of cooperation and we hope that we will have
continued contact to work on many levels.
He said that Armenia is undergoing a restructuring of its judiciary
and legal system and in this effort, Cyprus is a valuable example.
Noting that Cyprus is facing a difficult and complex situation as far
as the application of international law on the island is concerned,
Danielyan said the authorities are making every effort to uphold
democracy throughout the country.
Cyprus has been divided since the 1974 Turkish invasion. UN-led
efforts to reunite the country have so far failed, due to Turkey’s
intransigent stance. The legal government of the Republic of Cyprus
has been prevented from exercising its jurisdiction in the northern
Turkish occupied part of the country.
Danielyan said there is an agreement to fight organized crime but
"we are ready to promote more agreements to combat other forms of
crime and have cooperation at all levels".
He also stressed the need to further promote the agreement to
avoid double taxation, something, which he said "will help economic
cooperation between the two countries and will give Cypriot business
people the opportunity to invest in Armenia and avoid double taxation."