Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 11-12-03

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

CONTENTS

[01] UN amends references included in UNSG`s UNFICYP report

[01] UN amends references included in UNSG`s UNFICYP report

The draft report was handed over to the members of the UN Security Council on Wednesday.

The amended text includes a reference on UNSC resolution 186 of 1964 - just as in the previous reports - which defines the mandate of UNFICYP and the consent of the Republic of Cyprus.

The second point refers to the exploratory search for natural gas in Cyprus` Exclusive Economic Zone. While the draft report said that this search was conducted by the ``Greek Cypriot side``, the amended reference reads as follows:

``During the reporting period, there has been an increase in tension in connection with developments around the island. In September, exploratory drilling for hydrocarbons began off the southern coast of the island in the Exclusive Economic Zone of Cyprus. This was strongly opposed by the Turkish Cypriot side and Turkey, which considered that such actions prejudged the rights of the Turkish Cypriot community in the exploitation of natural resources on and around the island``.

A diplomatic source said that the main demands of the Cypriot government have been met and expressed satisfaction with this development.

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