Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 11-12-22

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

CONTENTS

[01] FM notes US interest for energy cooperation with Cyprus

[02] Spokesman: T/c side must change its stance to achieve progress

[03] State Department: USA hope for a lasting settlement

[01] FM notes US interest for energy cooperation with Cyprus

Speaking to CNA, Markoullis said she was particularly content, both for the number and for the essence of her contacts, which, were very substantial and fruitful.

On her meeting with Clinton, Markoullis said that the two sides discussed all serious issues that concern both countries in a very effective manner. She added that she had the opportunity to elaborate on the position of the Republic of Cyprus concerning the Cyprus problem and the ongoing UN led talks.

Such a meeting is naturally of great importance, since the US is playing a very important role in the Cyprus problem and Cyprus in general, as a permanent member of the Security Council, Markoullis said.

In her statements to CNA, she also noted that there is great US interest in the research activity of the Republic of Cyprus for hydrocarbon reserves in its Exclusive Economic Zone and underlined the wish on behalf of the US to extend cooperation between the two countries in the field of energy.

The Foreign Minister further referred to her contacts with the members of the Congress and noted her two address speeches to two important think tanks, the Woodrow Wilson Center and the European Institute. Moreover, she said she had the chance to talk to various US and international media and meet with important people of the diaspora, as well as the leadership of the two top American-Israeli organisations.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkish troops invaded and occupied its northern third.

Peace talks are currently underway to find a negotiated settlement that will reunite the country, under a federal roof.

Following a decision by Nicosia to begin natural gas and oil exploration in its exclusive economic zone, Ankara has deployed warships in the Eastern Mediterranean and has signed an illegal agreement with the Turkish Cypriot regime in occupied Cyprus to delineate what it calls continental shelf.

Drilling has already begun last September and is being carried out by Houston-based Noble Energy, off Cyprus south-eastern coast.

The government of Cyprus has protested to the UN and the EU Turkeys moves, saying it has a sovereign right to exploit its natural resources, pointing out that Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots will benefit from any benefits that may come from oil drilling.

[02] Spokesman: T/c side must change its stance to achieve progress

In an interview with the London Greek Radio, the Spokesman said that in order to achieve the goal to reach new convergences that would lead to progress at the Cyprus talks, the Turkish Cypriot side should change its stance.

He explained that the Turkish Cypriot side should respect its commitment to the UN Secretary General to continue talks on the basis of what was achieved at the negotiations with former Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat.

The Turkish Cypriot side, he added, should also demonstrate consistency as regards the agreed basis of the solution, which is a bizonal, bicommunal federation.

[03] State Department: USA hope for a lasting settlement

They obviously talked about our hope that the U.N. process will produce a lasting settlement on Cyprus, that we have another round of those talks coming up in the end of January and that we hope that sides will really roll up their sleeves because it is very important and very urgent, she said.

She added that the two Ministers talked about bilateral business, Cyprus` upcoming EU presidency and Iran.

As you may know, Cyprus has recently made a decision to deflag Iranian shipping vessels, and that was something that was obviously welcomed by the U.S., she said.

Asked about the exploratory drillings of Cyprus in its Exclusive Economic Zone, Nuland reiterated US support to the right of Cyprus to exploit resources within its own zone. At the same time, she made clear that the US would like to see the benefits of that exploration shared among all Cypriots in the context of a full settlement of issues between them.

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