Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 12-02-16

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

CONTENTS

[01] Israeli PM on working visit to Cyprus

[02] Cyprus President supports start of EU-Serbia accession negotiations

[03] Tourism revenue up by 12.9% in 2011

[04] Limassol International Marathon to take place 18 of March

[01] Israeli PM on working visit to Cyprus

Netanyahu was received at the Presidential Palace by President of Cyprus Demetris Christofias.

A tete-a-tete meeting followed between President Christofias and the Israeli Prime Minister, followed by official talks with the participation of delegations of both countries.

President Christofias and Israeli Prime Minister will then make statements to the press.

Later on a lunch the President of the Republic will host a lunch in honour of his guest and his delegation.

According to the schedule of the working visit, in the afternoon, Netanyahu will meet President of the main opposition party, Democratic Rally, Nicos Anastasiades.

Prime Minister Netanyahu and his entourage leave Cyprus in the afternoon.

Government Spokesman Stephanos Stephanou said on Wednesday that the visit of the Prime Minister of Israel to Cyprus will contribute to further strengthening of relations between the two countries.

The visit of the Prime Minister of Israel follows the visit of Israeli President Shimon Peres to Cyprus and President Christofias` visit to Israel.

According to a press release issued by the Prime Minister`s office, Benjamin Netanyahu will travel to Cyprus for a one-day visit, ``the first by an Israeli prime minister``.

The Prime Minister will meet with Cyprus President Demetris Christofias, the leader of the main opposition Democratic Rally party, Nicos Anastasiades and government ministers ``in order to further strengthen bilateral relations``.

It is noted that ``among the issues to be discussed are: Cooperation in the field of natural gas and additional steps to increase competition and energy security in both countries, promoting bilateral tourism and trade, agricultural and health cooperation, and research into the eastern Mediterranean Sea``.

In conclusion, the PM`s office says that an agreement on assistance in the event of natural disasters and regarding search-and-rescue cooperation by air and naval forces will be signed.

On the 28th of December 2011, Cyprus President Demetris Cristofias announced that the results of Noble Energy`s exploratory drilling in Cyprus` block 12 in its EEZ, are positive, describing the discovery of hydrocarbons as historic for the island.

Christofias said that Noble discovered 310 feet of net natural gas pay, adding that the drilling reached a depth of 19,225 feet in water depth of about 5,540 feet.

``The initial data that emerged from the exploratory drilling and the evaluation checks carried out indicate the existence of a natural gas reservoir ranging from 5 to 8 trillion cubic feet (tcf) with a gross mean of 7 tcf,`` he said.

[02] Cyprus President supports start of EU-Serbia accession negotiations

Addressing a reception on the occasion of Serbia’s National Day in Nicosia, President Christofias whished accession negotiations between Belgrade and the EU to start soon.

Serbian Ambassador to Cyprus Savo Djurica said from his part that his country supports the territorial integrity of the Republic of Cyprus, with Belgrade being in favor of a fair and viable solution to the Cyprus issue, based on UN Security Council resolutions.

He further said that progress in the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina is important, noting the many difficulties that are being encountered even in technical matters, which stumble over the issue of national sovereignty.

[03] Tourism revenue up by 12.9% in 2011

On the basis of the results of the Passenger Survey, revenue from tourism reached 41.6 million euro in December 2011 compared to 40.9 million euro in the corresponding month of the previous year, recording an increase of 1.9%.

For the period January – December 2011 revenue from tourism is estimated to 1,749.3 million euro compared to 1,549.8 million euro in the corresponding period of 2010, recording an increase of 12,9%.

[04] Limassol International Marathon to take place 18 of March

Despite financial difficulties and the lack of major sponsors, organizers of the 6th International Limassol Marathon, have joined forces to continue the institution accredited by the international federations of AIMS and IAAF.

The Olympia Athletic Club (GSO), the Municipality of Limassol, Limassol Chamber of Commerce and Limassol Tourism Development and Promotion Company decided to undertake the joint effort of organizing the 6th International Limassol Marathon GSO in mid March.

At a press conference Mayor of Limassol Andreas Christou said the municipality will continue to support and reinforce the Limassol Marathon, noting that it is an obligation of the municipality towards a major sporting event and an expression of support for Cypriot and foreign athletes.

The events include a Marathon, Half Marathon, Health Race of 10 kilometres, Corporate Race of five kilometers and a Student Race of one kilometer.

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