'Illegal' Sea Routes from Syria Probed

Cyprus and Syria will conduct talks to resolve the issue of "illegal sea routes" between the Syrian port of Latakia and Famagusta.

Cyprus declared the town of Famagusta closed after Turkey occupied it in 1974. President Christofias and President Assad made the announcement in statements after official talks they held in Damascus, where the Cypriot President is paying a two-day state visit.

"We authorized competent officials of both sides to deal further with the issue for the benefit of both countries and our friendly relations," said Mr. Christofias.

On his part, Mr. Al Assad said he agreed, adding "the issue is not a complicated one and will be resolved soon."

"This year and after the (presidential) elections, Cyprus has made some steps towards Syria which I considered positive and have been noted," the Syrian president said, adding ``there are some technical issues which can be resolved and I think it is easy to be resolved."

"We decided to begin a dialogue between competent officials from the two countries to solve this issue on a technical and not on a political level," he added.