Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 11-12-07

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

CONTENTS

[01] FM: Cyprus is well aware that creating security and confidence is

a painful and long process

[02] Cyprus` GDP decreases during 2011 third quarter

[03] Cypriot APOEL qualify for last 16 in Champions League

[01] FM: Cyprus is well aware that creating security and confidence is a painful and long process

Marcoullis said that ``our collective security is intimately linked to that in adjacent regions of the OSCE,`` noting that ``we have followed very closely the unfolding monumental developments in the Southern Mediterranean and the Middle East.``

She underlined that as a participating State neighbouring these regions, Cyprus is committed to supporting democratic transition and overall stability both bilaterally and through the coordinated efforts of the international community under the leadership of the United Nations. The contribution of the OSCE, where it has added value, must come as a response to the wishes of our partners, she noted.

Marcoullis said that the OSCEs role does not pertain only to conflicts that the organization is already seized of. ``If the OSCE is to live up to our expectations as a conflict prevention and mediation tool, it must be provided with the necessary means and political will. We must also ensure that its involvement in the conflict cycle conforms to the norms and principles of international law, including the Charter of the United Nations,`` she noted.

Marcoullis said that one of the strongest potential of the organization is in the field of confidence- and security-building measures; this is why my country has submitted its application, pending for almost ten years now, to accede to the Open Skies Treaty.

The potential of the OSCE and the comprehensive concept of security cannot be fully realized if we do not adequately adapt to the new challenges posed by non-traditional threats or ensure respect for rights and freedoms in an evolving security environment, she added.

She noted the valuable contribution of OSCE field operations and independent institutions as tools of early warning and catalysts in the implementation of our commitments. Furthermore, she said, We stress the importance of enabling them to maintain their unhindered and effective functioning. We are aware that our collective commitments remain unimplemented.

Marcullis also noted that the adoption of decisions such as those relating to the freedom of expression and the media are paramount in this context and we continue to support their prioritization by both the Lithuanian and Irish chairmanships.

Additionally, she pointed out that the OSCE has proven its value over the years, especially in the Western Balkans.

She said that this year, the successful completion of the mandate of the Office in Zagreb has been a very welcome addition to our achievements and we congratulate the Croatian government on the progress achieved.

We also welcome, she added, the joint offer by Switzerland and Serbia to assume the chairmanship of the OSCE in 2014 and 2015, respectively, and would welcome a decision to that effect at this Ministerial Council.

Cyprus Foreign Minister expressed support to the application of Mongolia to become a participating State and said Libya would be welcome as a partner State, if it wishes to become one. ``The interest of new States to join the OSCE could only reinforce the relevance of our organization and help us to better address threats emanating from outside the OSCE space,`` she noted.

[02] Cyprus` GDP decreases during 2011 third quarter

According to the data, GDP in Cyprus declined by 0.8% during the third quarter of 2011, compared with the previous quarter, while GDP increased by 0.2% in the euro area1 (EA17) and by 0.3% in the EU27. During the second trimester, GDP had increased by 0.2% in Cyprus, as well as in the EA17 and EU27.

On an annual basis, GDP declined in Cyprus by 0.6% in the third quarter of 2011 compared with the corresponding period of 2010, while it increased by 1.4% in the euro-zone and the EU. Greece recorded the highest GDP decline in EU, reaching 5.2%.

[03] Cypriot APOEL qualify for last 16 in Champions League

APOEL of Nicosia defeated 2-0 on Tuesday by Shakhtar Donetsk but finished first in Group G with nine points.

The Ukrainian team scored both goals in the second half, at GSP Stadium. Luiz Adriano opened the score in the 62nd minute and Yevhen Selesnyov doubled the goals in the 78th minute.

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