Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 11-11-23

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

CONTENTS

[01] Greek FM urges Turkey to contribute to a solution

[02] Fule welcomes efforts for Cyprus settlement

[01] Greek FM urges Turkey to contribute to a solution

Demas who was received by 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 settlement

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 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.

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