Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 11-11-22

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

CONTENTS

[01] Omirou and Demas discuss Cyprus issue

[02] President visits Homer rig

[03] FM: Turkey not an obstacle

[04] Downer: UN will not arbitrate

[01] Omirou and Demas discuss Cyprus issue

In statements after the meeting, Omirou said that the solution of the Cyprus problem is one of Greece`s top priorities.

``He assured me that one of the Greek government`s top priorities is the solution of the Cyprus problem through the implementation of the principles of European and international law and that Greece stands by the people of Cyprus until the achievement of this solution``, he stressed.

Referring to the Greek Foreign Minister, Omirou said that he has always been a warm supporter of the struggle of the people of Cyprus for justice and for a political solution based on the values and principles of the European and international law.

In addition, Omirou said that he expressed the gratitude of the government and the people of Cyprus for Greece`s firm and long-lasting support.

During their meeting, the House President and the Greek Foreign Minister also discussed the economy. Omirou said that he expressed Cyprus` support and solidarity to Greece, so that the country returns to the path of development, progress and prosperity.

[02] President visits Homer rig

According to an official press release, Christofias said his presence on the platform underscores the Republics sovereign rights which, as he pointed out, we are determined to exercise.

After a briefing by Noble officials and a guided tour of the platform, the President said that the issue is of national importance and that is how everyone must address it.

He said an overall strategic plan on pending issues relating to natural gas being piped to land will be drafted.

[03] FM: Turkey not an obstacle

Markoullis was addressing an event organised by the Cyprus Academy of Public Administration and Civil Society Organisation OPEK on the EU Presidency. Despite Turkeys efforts and threats, the Cyprus issue did not become an obstacle to Cyprus EU accession and we will not allow Turkey to use it now as an obstacle for the effective completion of our Presidency, she stressed.

The Cypriot FM added that we will put a stop to any efforts by Ankara to infiltrate in EU procedures or demand unacceptable terms to the Cyprus Presidency. She highlighted the fact that the rotating Presidency is an inalienable right of every member states and an EU institution, adding that no intervention is permitted, particularly by third countries.

Markoullis expressed the wish that the Cyprus issue is resolved before the Cyprus EU Presidency begins, adding however that Turkish continued intransigence during the ongoing UN led negotiations has left little room for optimism.

[04] Downer: UN will not arbitrate

Downer said he had not seen the President since the Greentree meeting between the UN Secretary General and the leaders of the two communities, ``so it has been good to catch up with him again and to not just talk about the follow-up from Greentree but to start planning the couple of months ahead before we return to Greentree a bit beyond the middle of January.``

He added that he meets with President Christofias on ``a fairly regular basis`` and noted that Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu is currently away and he is planning to meet with him at the weekend.

Asked if he was optimistic about this new phase of talks, Downer said ``it is difficult, we have no illusions about that but we thought, as the Secretary General said, that good progress was made at Greentree and in the lead-up to Greentree."

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