Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 12-02-02

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

CONTENTS

[01] Recent rainfall huge injection, says Director of WDD

[02] Maronite Patriarch to visit Cyprus

[03] Schmallenberg virus not detected in Cyprus, authorities say

[04] Cyprus to introduce electronic signature

[01] Recent rainfall huge injection, says Director of WDD

In an interview with CNA, Kyrou said that precipitation this January was the highest Cyprus has experienced the past eleven years, which resulted in large amounts of water flowing into the dams.

This January the amount of water that flowed in the dams reached 93 million cubic metres Kyrou noted.

He added that due to the fact that most of the rain was in the district of Paphos, on the western coast of Cyprus, various dams, including the islands second largest Asprokremos and Kanaviou reservoir have overflowed. Ayia Marina dam and the third largest dam, Evretou, are also expected to overflow in the next days, he noted.

Asked how long this amount of water can last, the Director of the WDD underlined that with proper management it can last three to four years, covering the populations water needs and those of the farmers as well.

On the possibility of future water supply cuts, Kyrou said this is no longer on the cards, indicating that water must be saved through irrigation, by producing low-water-consuming crops that bring to the farmers a good income as well.

[02] Maronite Patriarch to visit Cyprus

According to a press release, during his stay in Cyprus, the Patriarch will hold complimentary visits to President of the Republic Demetris Christofias and Archbishop of Cyprus Chrysostomos II.

On February 12, in the presence of President Christofias, the Patriarch will lead the celebrations in honour of Saint Maron, founder and patron of the Maronite Church.

The Patriarch will pass from every point of Cyprus where Maronites live, and will also visit the four Maronite villages in the Turkish occupied areas of Cyprus, thus sending the message that the Maronites of Cyprus are not alone.

[03] Schmallenberg virus not detected in Cyprus, authorities say

In statements to CNA, Director of Veterinary Services, Georgios Kyriakides, recalled that the virus first appeared last summer in Germany and was then transferred to ิhe Netherlands and Belgium.

At the time, Kyriakides explained, the EU issued an announcement noting that discussion would follow on the issue, since the situation remains unsteady. According to the announcement, the virus cannot be transmitted to human beings since it is not a zoonosis.

Technocrats from EU member states are expected to discuss the issue in February, according to Kyriakides and a Directive might be issued to guide the member states on the course of action in case they detect the virus.

Kyriakides said sheep and cattle in Cyprus have not been infected by the Schmallenberg virus, based on the information received by farmers.

[04] Cyprus to introduce electronic signature

According to the bill, electronic signatures will be generated only once for each person, by organizations licensed to do so, and will be used by the holders instead of their original signature in all electronic activities.

Electronic signatures will be introduced in both the public and the private sector, according to the Director of Electronic Communications Department, at the Ministry of Communications and Works, Stelios Himonas.

Himonas said electronic signatures will be used to identify an individual or to certify that an electronic document has been transferred successfully in its authentic form and has not been altered, whether

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