Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 11-11-08

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

CONTENTS

[01] PRESIDENT - RUSSIA - ECONOMIC TIES

[02] OMIROU - BRUSSELS

[03] MARKOULLIS - LONDON

[04] CYPRUS - EU - SPORTS

[01] PRESIDENT - RUSSIA - ECONOMIC TIES

Addressing an event organised by the Cyprus-Russian Friendship Association to mark 50 years since its establishment, President Christofias said that Cyprus constitutes an important business and economic hub which attracts the interest of Russian investors. He said that the Russian community in Cyprus has particular dynamism while the influx of tourists from Russia has increased by 50% compared to last year.

Christofias pointed out that the Soviet Union and later on the Russian Federation have consistently supported Cyprus struggle for a settlement of the Cyprus problem on the basis of principles and expressed the appreciation and the gratitude of the people of Cyprus for the constant and firm position of principles of the Russian Federation, which as a Permanent Member of the Security Council defends the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Cyprus. This is an invaluable solidarity, he stressed.

The President said that the cooperation of Cyprus and Russia in the political field is not confined to the political level only but it also extends to the international level, in the framework of international organizations.

He noted that political cooperation is reinforced by enhanced financial relations, in investment and tourism, trade and culture.

President Christofias underlined the importance which the government attributes to the development of relations and ties of friendship between the two peoples, noting that these relations have reached an admirable level. He referred to agreements signed between the two countries during Russian President Dmitry Medvedevs visit to Cyprus in 2011.

Christofias commended the work of the Cyprus-Russian Association, noting that it constitutes the liaison of the Russian community in Cyprus, with over 60.00 persons, with Cypriot society.

The President of Cyprus assured that we will continue to build on the sound foundations which we all have established through a collective effort, adding that our goal is to continue and to boost bilateral cooperation, based on relations of sincere friendship and solidarity which have proved to be very strong throughout the years.

[02] OMIROU - BRUSSELS

On Tuesday, the second day of his trip, Omirou held meetings with the heads of all the political groups in the European Parliament, whom he briefed on the Cyprus problem and Turkey`s intransigent stance, Turkish threats against Cyprus regarding explorations for natural gas in its exclusive economic zone, and preparations for Cyprus` EU presidency in the second half of 2012.

Omirou said there was an increasing understanding of the dangers from Turkey`s behaviour against Cyprus, and the destabilising role it is playing in the broader region, adding that he noted the lack of progress in talks to solve the Cyprus problem.

Referring to Turkish threats concerning explorations for natural gas, Omirou pointed out that ``they are not just threats, they are acts of war by sending the navy and military jets.`` He added that "the condemnation is total and collective, and it is a position all the political groups have expressed.``

[03] MARKOULLIS - LONDON

She also briefed him on Turkish threats against the Republic of Cyprus for exercising its sovereign rights to carry out explorations for natural gas in its exclusive economic zone.

Moreover, Markoullis referred to preparations for the Cypriot presidency of the EU in the second half of 2012, and they exchanged views on ways to cooperate during this period.

They furthermore discussed developments in the broader region of the Eastern Mediterranean, and issues concerning bilateral relations between Cyprus and Britain.

[04] CYPRUS - EU - SPORTS

Cyprus is participating in the first theme with a project titled ``Prevention of sexualised violence in sport``, which concerns the creation of a network of experts and organisations to prevent sexual violence in sports. The leading organisation is Deutsche Sportjugend im Deutschen Olympischen Sportbund e.V. Participating countries are Cyprus, Germany, Greece, Norway, the United Kingdom, the Czech Republic, Spain, Denmark, Belgium and Slovenia. Funding reaches 200,000 euros.

In the second theme, Cyprus is participating with a project titled ``Sport 4 Good Governance (S4G)``. The aim is to support and provide advice on good governance in sports organisations. The leading organisation is the Office of the European Olympic Committees of the EU. Participating countries are Cyprus, Belgium, Greece, Germany, Denmark, Estonia, Italy, The Netherlands, Slovenia and Switzerland. Funding reaches 1,200,000 euros.

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