Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 11-09-09

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

CONTENTS

[01] PRESIDENT - TURKEY - THREATS - EEZ

[02] OMIROU - TURKEY - MISSING

[03] FM - US EMBASSY - 9/11

[04] FINMIN - LOAN - RUSSIA

[01] PRESIDENT - TURKEY - THREATS - EEZ

Speaking at Friday the Presidential Palace, during the ceremony of affirmation of the new Deputy Chief of the National Guard, Major General Andreas Petrides, the President said that Petrides assumes his duties during a very difficult time, while the Turkish occupation of a significant part of Cyprus still continues.

Turkish arrogance and the treats that are being made, in an effort to intimidate the Republic of Cyprus, aiming at dissuading the country from exploiting its EEZ, call for vigilance and readiness, President Christofias said.

He noted that the armed forces are called to deliver their top mission, which is to safeguard the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the semi-occupied country, as well as the peoples freedom and dignity.

Times are difficult, but states and societies are being tested during tough times the President said.

He added that we have the courage and strength to face together and overcome difficulties and problems and noted that respect towards and dedication to constitutional institutions and the democratic polity constitute a safety net for political stability and social cohesion.

Moreover, he said that throughout this time of continuous Turkish intransigence and arrogance, the National Guard constitutes a point of unity and cooperation, for the countrys defence and for guaranteeing better days for the people.

Our common goal is a free, reunited Cyprus, an island of peace, progress and culture for all its citizens, President Christofias noted.

The new Deputy Chief of the National Guard Andreas Petrides thanked from his part the President for his trust and said he was aware that he is assuming his duties during a difficult time.

He assured the President that he is going to work responsibly and with selflessness, and that his actions, as prescribed by the legal framework concerning his duties, will aim at upgrading the National Guard as an effective, deterrent force.

The ceremony of affirmation was attended, among others, by the Minister of Defence Demetris Eliades and the Chief of the National Guard Stylianos Nasis.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkish troops invaded and occupied its northern third.

Peace talks are currently underway to find a negotiated settlement that will reunite the country, under a federal roof.

A US company, Noble Energy received a concession from the government of the Republic of Cyprus to explore for hydrocarbons in Block 12, located in Cyprus Exclusive Economic Zone, which borders reserve-rich Leviathan in Israels EEZ.

Initial drilling is expected to start end of September or early October this year.

[02] OMIROU - TURKEY - MISSING

Omirou visited the Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics and was briefed by the Director of the Institute, Philippos Patsalis, on the process of identification of remains of missing persons, exhumed at various locations throughout the island.

Speaking to the press, Omirou repeated Cyprus position that, according to a European Court of Human Rights judgment, Turkey should give the Committee on Missing Persons access to the archives of the Turkish army and other Turkish services. At the same time, he said, individual search should be conducted rapidly for each missing person.

[03] FM - US EMBASSY - 9/11

We all have an obligation to remember and we all have an obligation to remain united against terrorism. This is why I am here and this is why Cyprus, in its new role now as a member of the EU, continues to join efforts until we eradicate this scourge of terrorism, Cyprus Minister of Foreign Affairs Erato Kozakou Markoullis said, addressing the ceremony.

Markoullis said that when she received the invitation for the ceremony she immediately responded that she would attended. And the reason is that we all have an obligation to be here. We have an obligation from the very first moment to support the USA and this struggle against terrorism. Cyprus was there and we continue to be with you and with the international community against terrorism, she stressed.

The Charge d` Affaires of the US Embassy Andrew Schofer, addressing the ceremony, said that for many of us, the events of September 11, 2001, challenged our views of the world, making us think hard about our core values, and how we interact with each other as individuals, as communities, and as nations.

More than 3,000 innocent people lost their lives that morning, he said, stressing that the senseless deaths of so many, in the name of causes we could not understand or identify with, continue to evoke pain and confusion.

[04] FINMIN - LOAN - RUSSIA

Speaking to the press following a Council of Ministers meeting, Kazamias said that Cyprus is negotiating a loan with favorable terms which are to be evaluated by the Ministry. ``We hope that soon we will conclude an agreement, if we find the proposal beneficial for the Cypriot side,`` Kazamis added.

He also made clear that the loan does not alter government plans for fiscal consolidation. Kazamias said the funds secured from a possible long-term loan will be used to refinance maturing debt and inject additional liquidity in the economy in a bid to boost investments and stimulate growth.

``The loan in itself does not solve fiscal problems or other problems of the public sector but merely assists (the government) to deal better with liquidity issues,`` he said.

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