Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 11-09-15

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

CONTENTS

[01] GREEK FM CYPRUS EEZ

[02] MARI EXPLOSION - PUBLIC HEARINGS

[03] HOUSE SPEAKER DEMOCRACY

[04] IRISH PRESIDENT CYPRUS ISSUE

[01] GREEK FM CYPRUS EEZ

Delavekouras was responding to a question on Turkeys provocations against Cyprus in view of planned drilling for hydrocarbons in Cyprus Economic Exclusion Zone (EEZ).

The Republic of Cyprus, in cooperation with its neighbors, has reached an agreement delimitating the Exclusive Economic Zone between them. In this context, it goes ahead with its self-evident right, entrenched in international law, to explore and exploit its natural wealth, he stressed.

The Greek top official added that nobody can doubt that, referring at the same time to the clear statements made by the EU, the U.S. and Russia, which view Cyprus action as fully consistent with international law and self-evident right. ``

He went on to say that since Turkey has no arguments to put forward, it is trying to raise the tone through rhetorical threats. This, taking into account the prevailing conditions at this time in our region, namely, the intense instability that exists for a number of reasons is causing even more tension.

The Greek FM spokesman said that Turkey must accept the reality according to which the international law gives this clear right to the Republic of Cyprus. We hope that Turkey will behave calmly and will not contribute to even more tension,`` he added.

Delavekouras said that ``since Turkey has no arguments, it chooses to escalate tension, with successive statements. Greece has no reason to follow Ankara in this effort of escalation and aggravation, simply because the Greek view is based on the substance of the arguments and the fact that international law fully covers its positions.

Referring to Turkey-Israel relations, he reiterated that Greece`s position is that there must be stability in our region since we are in a very sensitive period.

Furthermore, he noted that Greece is in constant contact with the Cyprus Republic on all levels, monitoring Turleys worrisome attitude.

Recently, senior Turkish government officials have warned that Ankara will not hesitate to deploy warships in the Mediterranean, if the Republic of Cyprus proceeds with the exploitation of its natural resources in its Exclusive Economic Zone.

Houston-based company Noble Energy is expected to begin drilling in Cyprus EEZ late September. The company has a concession to look for hydrocarbons in an offshore field in Cyprus` EEZ, south of Cyprus, known as Block 12.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. Turkey does not recognise the Republic of Cyprus and has said it will not talk to Nicosia, when it assumes the rotating six-monthly EU Presidency in the second half of 2012.

The leaders of the two communities, namely President Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu, are currently engaged in UN-led talks, with an aim to reunify the island under a federal roof.

[02] MARI EXPLOSION - PUBLIC HEARINGS

Three of them are from the ranks of the Ministry of Defence - Infantry captain Andreas Yennaris, the Director of the Minister of Defence Staff Andreas Stavrou and the second in Command in the Navy Kyriakos Pochanis and the fourth is the Deputy Director of the Regional Directorate of Civil Defense of Larnaca Chrysilios Chrysiliou.

Following the blast, on July 11, the government appointed the Commission, headed by lawyer Polis Polyviou, to investigate the munitions explosion, which destroyed the islands main power station. The Commission will also look into possible political responsibilities.

[03] HOUSE SPEAKER DEMOCRACY

Omirou said democracy cannot prevail, unless there is peace and stability. He referred to the brutal abolition of democracy and the 1974 Turkish invasion of Cyprus, the consequences of which continue to this day.

He pointed out that the fundamental human rights of all the people of Cyprus are still being violated by Turkey, which has repeatedly been condemned by the UN and the European Union, which it aspires to join.

[04] IRISH PRESIDENT CYPRUS ISSUE

Receiving the credentials of the new Ambassador of the Republic of Cyprus in Dublin, Michalis Stavrinos, the Irish President referred to the common problems and challenges the two countries are facing, noting that they are both divided countries.

She stressed that Ireland will continue its policy on the Cyprus issue.

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