Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 12-01-15

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

CONTENTS

[01] Government follows a targeted policy on natural gas issue

[02] Spokesman: Greentree procedure does not provide for arbitrarion

[03] Defence Minister: Cyprus aims at peace and stability

[01] Government follows a targeted policy on natural gas issue

Asked by reporters on Sunday about the second gas licencing round, Stephanou said that the Government, despite the provocations and threats on behalf of Turkey, has successfully promoted the issue and that is ``because of the very specific, targeted policy followed by the Government as well as good planning and careful movements being made.``

He pointed out that this policy will be continued with regard to the second gas licencing round based on the laws and regulations of both Cyprus and the EU. ``

Stephanou also said that the related documents have been sent to the EU to be translated for publication in the EU Official Journal and the next step will be finalising the contract documents.

A second licensing round will be officially launched on completion of the translations and a period of at least three months will be given to the companies to express interest and submit their proposals.

[02] Spokesman: Greentree procedure does not provide for arbitrarion

In statements to the Press on Sunday, Stephanou said that the procedure is very clear, noted that it does not provide for any arbitration, mediation to bridge positions or deadlines and pointed out that ``President Christofias needs the support of the political parties in Cyprus in order to tackle any intentions by certain circles to divert the procedure.

He referred to the negative policy followed by the Turkish side regarding the solution of the Cyprus problem, which explains the call for unity of the political parties.

He reiterated that the solution to the Cyprus problem will be reached through an agreement between the two sides and it cannot be imposed from outside.

He added that any solution should be approved in two separate and simultaneous referenda by Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots.

Stephanou also said that President Christofias is demonstrating the necessary realism and is defending the interests of Cyprus and the principles for resolving the Cyprus problem.

UN - led negotiations have been underway since 2008 between the leaders of the two communities in Cyprus with an aim to reunify the island under a federal roof.

UN Secretary General Ban Ki moon has extended a new invitation to the leaders of the two communities in Cyprus, President Demetris Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu, to meet with him in New York 23-24 January in the framework of the UN backed direct talks for the Cyprus problem.

The first meeting between the two leaders and the UNSG took place in November 2010, followed by two more meetings held in Geneva on January 26 and July 7, 2011, during which both sides reaffirmed their commitment to finding a comprehensive solution as soon as possible, while in Geneva, on 26 January 2011, the sides agreed to intensify the negotiations.

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

[03] Defence Minister: Cyprus aims at peace and stability

Speaking at the memorial service of the hero Andreas Nicolaou who lost his life in defence of his homeland, Eliades said that this policy followed by Cyprus ``aims at establishing peace, security, stability and normality in the area of the East Mediterranean on the basis of the international law``.

Referring to the on-going UN-led talks between the leaders of the two communities in Cyprus, Eliades said they are not fruitful.

The good will of the Greek Cypriot side, he noted, is not enough to reach a viable solution based on the resolutions of the United Nations, the international and European law and the High-level Agreements.

Referring to the Economic Exclusive Zone (EEZ) of the Republic, Eliades said that the international community unanimously states recognition and express respect to our sovereign rights thus creating a net of political and legal protection for Cyprus.

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