Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 07-04-11

Cyprus News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

From: The Cyprus News Agency at <http://www.cyna.org.cy>

CONTENTS

[01] LILLIKAS - MOSCOW - MEETINGS

[02] NICOSIA MAYOR - TURKISH REMARKS

[03] EP COMMITTEE - CYPRUS

[04] LILLIKAS - MOSCOW - OIL

[01] LILLIKAS - MOSCOW - MEETINGS

Speaking to reporters in Moscow, Lillikas said Cyprus would be very pleased if Russian companies participated in the competition of bids for the exploitation of hydrocarbon deposits in Cyprus exclusive economic zone.

Lillikas said several companies have already obtained the results of researches for hydrocarbon deposits and expressed hope that Russian companies would also show a similar interest.

The Cypriot Minister noted that Russia and Cyprus have similar views on most international problems, based on the principles of international law, adding that Russia traditionally supports efforts for the reunification of Cyprus.

He pointed out that Russia`s role in the Cyprus problem, as a member of the UN Security Council, will be enhanced, adding that "without Russia`s participation, almost no international problem can be solved."

Lillikas replied to many questions concerning the Cyprus problem and other regional questions, and referred to "not so positive developments" after a letter by Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat to the UN Secretary General, which "places a mine in the July 8 effort."

He also said the Turkish Cypriot side was "very vulnerable and dependent on Turkey" and was stepping back due to interventions and pressure from Ankara.

[02] NICOSIA MAYOR - TURKISH REMARKS

Bulutoglulari said it was not possible for the Turkish Cypriots to proceed with the implementation of joint projects with the Greek Cypriots, after Mavrous decision not to participate in the Fourth World Mayors Summit, to be hosted in Istanbul (Constantinople) from April 12 to 15, because the invitation to the meeting addressed her as ``the Mayor of the Greek Cypriot Municipality.

Mavrou, who was received Wednesday by Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos, said that so far she has had a series of meetings with Bulutoglulari on various issues concerning Nicosia, which can be settled through the cooperation of the two sides, underlining that our goal is to continue the contacts and cooperation between the two sides.

[03] EP COMMITTEE - CYPRUS

The idea for Wednesday`s public hearing came after a visit of a Committee delegation to Cyprus in June 2006, during which the MEPs were informed on the situation much of Cyprus` cultural heritage came into as a result of the 1974 Turkish invasion and occupation of the island`s northern third.

The aim of the public hearing was to show the dereliction, destruction and depredation of the historical monuments in the Turkish occupied areas of Cyprus and to seek ways to protect and elevate the island`s cultural heritage through the joint efforts of the two communities on the island.

[04] LILLIKAS - MOSCOW - OIL

Welcoming at the Cypriot Embassy in Moscow the representatives of 25 Russian energy and hydrocarbon exploitation companies, Lillikas said "the government of the Republic of Cyprus believes that the time has come for Cyprus to join the research for hydrocarbons in its exclusive economic zone, an activity in which neighbouring countries have been engaged for some decades."

Lillikas referred to research so far and announced that the Republic of Cyprus "is offering eleven sections of research to interested oil companies," and called on friendly countries, such as Russia, to show an interest through their companies.

Cyprus News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article