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Thursday, 19 December 2024
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Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 11-12-07Cyprus News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Cyprus News Agency at <http://www.cyna.org.cy>CONTENTS
[01] President and Experts on hydrocarbons hold first meetingThe Government works hard and in an organised manner regarding the second licensing round for natural gas and oil exploration and exploitation within Cyprus Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), Government Spokesman Stephanos Stephanou has underlined.In statements to the Press, after the first meeting held on Wednesday between the President of the Republic and the Advisory Group of Experts on hydrocarbons, Stephanou said that the meeting gave the opportunity for discussion and exchange of views. Regarding the second licensing round, Government Spokesman said that the procedure has been launched as envisaged in the relevant Law. At present stage, documents are being prepared and announcements will be made according to the development of the procedure, he pointed out. Asked if there are any results from the exploration drilling currently underway in Cyprus block 12, Stephanou said that according to the Commerce Minister, announcements will be made soon. The Advisory Group of Experts on hydrocarbons will be holding during the week a series of intensive meetings on issues related to hydrocarbons and relevant strategic planning. The Group is tasked to advice the President and the Government on hydrocarbon issues and strategic planning. Houston-based Noble Energy, whose drilling rig is already in place, off the islands southern coast, has begun drilling in Cyprus EEZ. The company has a concession to explore for hydrocarbons in an offshore field, south of Cyprus, known as Block 12. [02] House President: All should intervene towards TurkeyPresident of the House of Representatives Yiannakis Omirou has pointed out that ``we are at the crossroads of history`` and that ``it is the duty of everyone interested in the security and stability of the region to intervene decisively towards Turkey.``Speaking at the funeral of George Nathanael, who was missing since 1974 and whose remains were exhumed and identified using the DNA method, Omirou said Turkey must be told it cannot continue to be a troublemaker and violator of international law, adding that ``Turkey must be called upon to abide by international law.`` ``The EU especially should make it absolutely clear to Turkey that the continuation of its unlawful behaviour will lead to the termination of its EU accession course,`` Omirou said. He noted that Cyprus must ``utilise the new European environment`` and report Turkey to the international community and Europe. Referring to talks to solve the Cyprus problem, Omirou said ``the direct negotiations are leading to a deadlock due to Turkish intransigence.`` Omirou also said that at the same time Turkey is escalating its provocations with the creation of tension in the Eastern Mediterranean, by questioning the sovereign rights of the Republic of Cyprus within its exclusive economic zone, actions, which threaten security, stability and peace in the region. [03] Government satisfied with General Affairs conclusionsGovernment Spokesman Stephanos Stephanou has expressed the Government`s satisfaction over the conclusions of the EU General Affairs Council, noting that the Government had pursued and worked for conclusions that would send the right messages to Turkey.He said the messages concern Turkey`s obligations towards Cyprus and its aggressive stance towards the Republic of Cyprus regarding its explorations in its exclusive economic zone for hydrocarbons. Stephanou said the conclusions point out the need for Turkey to avoid any kind of threat or action that would turn against an EU member state and calls on Turkey to commit itself to good neighbourly relations. ``It is obvious that the EU is indicating to Turkey to terminate its threats against the Republic of Cyprus regarding explorations for hydrocarbons in the Cypriot exclusive economic zone,`` he said. [04] Cypriot parties: Fundamental rights must apply to federal CyprusLeaders and representatives of Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot political parties which meet regularly, under the auspices of the Slovak Embassy in Cyprus, have noted that the fundamental rights of the UN Charter are part of European Union law, pointing out that they should apply to all member states and all European citizens without exception, including a united, federal Cyprus.A joint communique read out by Slovak Ambassador Anna Turenicova after Wednesday`s meeting said that they expressed opinions on the issue How membership of the European Union can safeguard the independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity and commitment to full respect of human rights of a united, federal Republic of Cyprus, as proposed by the host party, the Greek Cypriot Social Democrats Movement EDEK. They agreed that the fundamental rights of the UN Charter are part of European Union law and should be applied to all member states and to all European citizens without exception. These rights should of course be applied to a united, federal Cyprus. They also asked for a more practical involvement of the EU in everyday life in Cyprus and to the process of solving the Cyprus problem as well the press release added. The next regular meeting of the leaders and representatives of the political parties will be held on the 25th of January 2012 at 10.30 at Ledra Palace. Cyprus News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |
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