Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 10-12-17

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

CONTENTS

[01] PRESIDENT - CYPRIOT EU PRESIDENCY

[02] SPOKESMAN - CYPRUS ISSUE

[03] CYPRUS - ISRAEL - ÅÅÆ

[04] POLICE - HELICOPTERS

[01] PRESIDENT - CYPRIOT EU PRESIDENCY

Speaking during a press conference after the conclusion of the EU Summit held here December 16-17, President Christofias noted that it is most unlikely that there will be a need to activate this mechanism for Cyprus.

`I don`t think that despite any problems Cyprus might face its economy will create such problems to the euro or any dangers for the Eurozone,` Christofias noted, adding that the current situation does not justify any fears towards this direction.

Christofias elaborated on the decision taken by EU leaders concerning the amendment of article 136 of the Lisbon Treaty aiming to enable the establishment of permanent mechanism by member states of the euro area. The target is to safeguard the financial stability of the euro area as whole. Christofias note that this mechanism will be used under certain conditions that will be strictly determined by March 2011 from eurozone member states Finance Ministers.

He also noted that any EU member state that does not belong to the Eurozone would be able to join this mechanism if it wishes.

Christofias also referred to the statement by the Heads of State or Government of the Euro area, annexed to the Summit conclusions, which underlines their will and determination to proceed to the establishment and use of this mechanism.

He also said that during their meeting on Friday, High Representative Catherine Ashton briefed them on recent work on strategic partners, as China, Russia and India and that their common evaluation is that positive steps were made towards the direction of establishing relations with strategic partners.

Christofias also underlined that Cyprus always points out at the Council when taking the floor the need to maintain social cohesion, while responding to another question he said that the issue of Eurobonds was not on the agenda and was not discussed.

[02] SPOKESMAN - CYPRUS ISSUE

Commenting on remarks by President Christofias during a speech in Athens regarding the lack of progress in talks for a settlement of the Cyprus problem, Stephanou said the President often makes references during speeches abroad in order to indicate that the Turkish and Turkish Cypriot leadership frequently make statements that are outside the agreed framework of a bizonal bicommunal federation.

He said the President often makes such references ``because we have to inform the international community that, while the Turkish side has launched an international campaign to convince that it wants a solution today, beyond its declarations its actions do not serve the aim of a solution.``

Asked about information that President Christofias has called for intervention so that a meeting with the Turkish Prime Minister can be arranged, Stephanou said that the President`s position is well known and ``he wants to discuss the Cyprus problem and share the vision he has for a solution of the Cyprus problem, which will lead to the termination of the occupation and the reunification of Cyprus.`` Unfortunately, he pointed out there has been no response.

[03] CYPRUS - ISRAEL - ÅÅÆ

The agreement was signed on Friday by Cypriot Minister of Foreign Affairs Marcos Kyprianou and Israel`s National Infrastructure Minister Uzi Landau.

``The State of Israel is pleased to announce the signing of an agreement with the Republic of Cyprus for the delimitation of the exclusive economic zone between the two States,`` an Israeli Embassy press release notes, adding ``this agreement reflects the close relationship and ongoing cooperation between Israel and Cyprus.``

The release also notes that ``in light of the recent discovery of a wealth of natural resources in the Mediterranean Sea, the delimitation of Israel`s borders will play an important role in securing Israel`s vital economic interests, by providing certainty to investors and offering clarity to Israel`s neighbors as to the precise location of Israel`s maritime borders and its right to natural resources at sea.``

[04] POLICE - HELICOPTERS

Minister of Justice and Public Order Loucas Louca said the two AgustaWestland 139 helicopters would be used in border protection, combating illegal immigration and operations in the framework of FRONTEX, and would also be used in emergencies, such as search and rescue, fire extinguishing and other rescue missions.

He noted that the Republic of Cyprus would now have increased efficiency in protecting the south-easternmost point of the European Union.

Chief of Police Michalis Papageorgiou said the two new helicopters would be ``a steel fist against crime`` and a modern shield, contributing to the protection of borders and maintaining order. He added that the helicopters were able to transport up to 17 persons, were equipped with audiovisual systems for nighttime operations, could reach speeds of 167 knots per hour and had a range of 517 nautical miles.

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