By VOA News

03 July 2008

Lawmakers on Cyprus have ratified the European Union treaty, despite opposition from the communist party of President Dimitris Christofias.

The Mediterranean island-nation Thursday became the 20th EU state to ratify the treaty, after 31 lawmakers out of 49 present in Nicosia voted in favor.

The charter is aimed at streamlining EU bureaucracy and making it easier for the European Commission to enact policy.

The Cyprus vote comes less than a month after Irish voters rejected the treaty in a referendum.

All 27 nations must ratify the treaty for it to take effect. Advocates say it remains unclear whether the charter can be salvaged after the Irish defeat.

By Staff Reporter 04.JUL.08

Cyprus will host the European Shotgun Championships on July 5-14, the last shooting-sport event before the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.

A press release issued by the Cyprus Shooting Sport Federation says that a total of 400 athletes from 40 countries will compete in the Trap, Skeet and Double Trap disciplines.

The Championships will take place at the Nicosia Olympic Shooting Range, which hosted the international Cyprus Grand Prix last March.

11 hours ago

NICOSIA, Cyprus (AP) — The Cypriot parliament approved the European Union treaty Thursday, making Cyprus the 20th EU member to ratify the document aimed at streamlining decision-making in the bloc.

All 27 EU members must approve the so-called Lisbon Treaty before it can take effect. Its future was thrown into doubt, however, after Ireland rejected the treaty in a July 12 referendum.

EU leaders agreed to continue with the ratification process and delay decisions on how to handle the Irish vote until October.