Compact version |
|
Wednesday, 20 November 2024 | ||
|
Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 11-11-22Cyprus News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Cyprus News Agency at <http://www.cyna.org.cy>CONTENTS
[01] Greek FM urges Turkey to contribute to for a solutionTurkey must take all necessary actions that will allow progress in the Cyprus problem, Greek Foreign Minister Stavros Demas has said.Demas who was received on Tuesday by Cyprus President Demetris Christofias noted in statements after the meeting that Greece supports the Republic of Cyprus and the efforts made by Christofias to solve the Cyprus problem. He said that he had a very useful and constructive discussion with Cyprus President and thanked him for informing him about the course of the negotiations on the Cyprus problem. Demas said that they also discussed other issues of mutual interest concerning the broader region. Greece supports efforts for a Cyprus settlement and the reunification of Cyprus. We are focused on our common goal for a viable, functional and just settlement, consistent with the UN resolution and the EU values and principles, harmonized with the acquis communautaire, he noted. Demas said that Turkey does not contribute to finding a settlement and that is why we are not optimistic that there will be a settlement that will create the required conditions to exploit all potentials for the countries in the region. He noted that Turkey should make some steps to have progress in the talks and must refrain from making statements and taking actions as regards the Exclusive Economic Zone which are not constructive but contrary to the international law and foment the tension in the region. Demas said that Greek Cypriots and Greece want to have good relations with Turkey, but Ankara on her part must review its actions and statements. Houston-based Noble Energy began drilling in Cyprus EEZ last September. Cyprus has signed an agreement to delineate the EEZ with Egypt and Israel with a view to exploit any possible natural gas and oil reserves in its EEZ. A similar agreement was signed with Lebanon but the Lebanese Parliament has not yet ratified it. Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkish troops invaded and occupied 37% of its territory. [02] Fule welcomes efforts for Cyprus settlementEU Commissioner for Enlargement Stefan Fule has welcomed the efforts of the leaders of the two communities in Cyprus and the UN to reach a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem.He has also reiterated the European Commission`s strong support of the settlement talks. In a statement after his meeting with Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu on Tuesday in Brussels, Fule said they discussed the recent meeting in New York between the UN Secretary General and the leaders of the two communities, and issues related to the aid programme for the Turkish Cypriot community and the crossing of persons and goods across the Green Line in Cyprus, which separates the islands northern Turkish occupied areas from the southern government controlled part of the country. ``I welcomed the efforts of the leaders of both communities and the UN to reach a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem. I also reiterated the European Commission`s strong support of the settlement talks. Mr. Eroglu and I discussed the way ahead after the recent tripartite meeting and the importance of reaching agreement on all internal aspects of a settlement by the next tripartite meeting in January 2012,`` Fule said. [03] Bulgaria supports Cyprus sovereign rightsBulgaria expressed its recognition of the sovereign rights of the Republic of Cyprus and the longstanding support of the country to the efforts for a solution to the Cyprus issue.The position was expressed by Bulgarias Ambassador in Nicosia Vesselin Valchev during a meeting he had Tuesday with Defence Minister Demetris Eliades. The Minister thanked the Bulgarian diplomat for his countrys firm support in the fight of the Republic of Cyprus to solve the Cyprus problem, noting the bonds which unite the two countries are longstanding. About the recent developments to regarding the Republics exploratory drilling for natural gas in its Exclusive Economic Zone, Eliades said Cyprus is exercising its sovereign rights with complete dedication to international law, noting developments are a serious motive for Turkey to cooperate for a solution to the Cyprus issue. Cyprus News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |