Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 12-02-10

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

CONTENTS

[01] President: Cyprus to continue encouraging international company

activities

[02] Spokesman calls on Eroglu to abandon negative stance

[03] Maronite Archbishop: Messages from Patriarch`s visit

[01] President: Cyprus to continue encouraging international company activities

Addressing the Russian-Cyprus Business and Investment Forum in Limassol, President Christofias pointed out that ``the Government, recognising the importance of foreign investment in the development of the Cyprus economy, has established the Cyprus Investment Promotion Agency, which in partnership and collaboration with the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry and other stakeholders, work closely to enhance even further the investment environment of Cyprus and to promote the country as an attractive platform and destination for foreign investors.``

The President said Russia and Cyprus enjoy very strong and historical ties, and these have been mutually beneficial and very successful for our countries political, economic and business relations.

He added that Cyprus has a market-oriented economy and is a wealth of untapped opportunities for Russian investors, and that Cyprus provides an excellent platform for conducting and managing business activities from Russia to Europe and vice-versa.

``Cyprus is an international business hub for Russian business people as evidenced by the fact that Foreign Direct Investment into Cyprus from Russia has exponentially increased in the past couple of years. In fact, Russia has traditionally been a large contributor of Foreign Direct Investment Inflows to Cyprus, with its economy playing a significant role and acting as a catalyst of growth for the Cyprus economy,`` he noted.

President Christofias also referred to bilateral cooperation in various fields, and noted that the Republic of Cyprus is committed to further strengthening the political, business and economic relations with Russia.

``Our goal is to offer Russian companies that seek growth in international markets a credible destination, where they can exploit the comparative advantages of Cyprus for their own benefit. In a period of political instability and uncertainty in the Middle East and North Africa, the Russian business community has a safe and reliable partner, on whom you may rely for the implementation of your international strategic plans,`` he said.

He pointed out that the Forum was an opportunity for business people from Russia and Cyprus to exchange views and to discuss the opportunities and challenges present today in Cyprus for Russian investors, as well as any other issues that affecting Russia and Cyprus, their economies, and their positions on the international business map, and noted that Russia is able to play an important and decisive role in the future developments of the global economy.

The Forum was co-hosted by the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Russian Federation, the Russian Business Council for Cooperation with Cyprus and the Cyprus-Russia Business Association.

[02] Spokesman calls on Eroglu to abandon negative stance

Stephanos Stephanou was commenting on statements made by Dervis Eroglu alleging that there is no incentive for the Greek Cypriot side to move towards a solution of the Cyprus problem after July 1. Eroglu also claimed that if Cyprus President Demetris Christofias runs again for the presidency in 2013 then he will not be able to make any concessions.

The Spokesman said that Eroglu always makes arbitrary statements just to support the positions of the Turkish Cypriot side.

He accused the Turkish side of trying to set a timetable for the solution of the Cyprus problem based on the time during which Cyprus will exercise the EU presidency in the second semester of 2012. This is something that cannot happen, he noted, making it clear that Cyprus EU presidency and the negotiations are two different things.

[03] Maronite Archbishop: Messages from Patriarch`s visit

In an interview with CNA, Maronite Archbishop in Cyprus Youssef Soueif spoke about the importance of the Maronite Patriarchs visit, who was elected last March and is based in Lebanon. As he said Beshara, Boutros Rai is a personality well respected in the region and internationally because of the history of the Maronite Church and its contribution in the whole world.

He is a man of God, of human principles and values and of course after his visit to Cyprus, he will communicate everywhere he goes the message of Cyprus, the problems, the suffering and todays situation but also hope for the future and the meaning of reconciliation and of peace based on justice and love, he said.

Cyprus is the oldest organized and structured district in the Maronite Church. Before it changed, 24 years ago, with a Synod decision, the Cyprus Eparchy included not only the island but also a part of Lebanon. Archbishop Soueif explained that the Patriarch himself was born in the Lebanese part that belonged to the Cyprus Eparchy 24 years ago, so Cyprus is already in his heart.

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