Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 12-02-19

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

CONTENTS

[01] Preparations for UN SG’ Cyprus report underway

[02] Ankara’s challenge is a Cyprus solution, Minister says

[03] Cyprus can become a hub for joining regional interests, FM says

[04] Cyprus launches second hydrocarbon licensing round

[01] Preparations for UN SG’ Cyprus report underway

According to diplomatic sources, the report by Ban Ki-moon is expected to be submitted to the Security Council early March, following the two meetings of Cyprus leaders with UN SG Special Advisor Alexander Downer in the coming two weeks.

Moreover, the same sources say Ban aims to provide through his reports a complete description of developments, following the five meetings he had with President Demetris Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu, from November 2010 to January 2012 and the intercommunal talks held in Nicosia.

He will reportedly refer to the data he asked from both sides to exchange, the convergences reached, as well as the remaining divergences in the core issues.

He will also repeat the next steps as described in his last statement following talks at Greentree, last January.

Diplomatic sources say they expect an austere report, in line with the report issued after his first meeting with the leaders, on November 2010.

It is added that the report will probably highlight the urgent nature of reaching convergences within a certain period of time, addressing both Cypriot sides and the UN Security Council members.

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.

The UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon met with President of the Republic Demetris Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu for the fifth time in January 2012, in Greentree estate, at Long Island, New York. In his statements, following the meeting, Ban said limited progress was achieved and invited both sides to make decisive moves in the negotiation chapters of governance, property and citizenship.

This was the fifth meeting of Cyprus leaders with the Secretary-General.

The first took place in November 2010, followed by two more meetings held in Geneva on 26 January and 7 July 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. A fourth meeting ensued, in Greentree, in October 2011.

[02] Ankara’s challenge is a Cyprus solution, Minister says

Speaking in Kato Pyrgos, during the memorial service of Andreas Heracleous and Socrates Constantinides, two National Guard officers who lost their lives while on duty, conducting de-mining operations, in 1994, the Minister said that their loss has not yet been justified, as the Cyprus problem remains unsolved.

While Turkey threatens and provokes Cyprus, Nicosia challenges Ankara to work for a Cyprus solution and turn the island into a place of freedom, peace and progress for all its citizens, Eliades said.

However, the Minister went on, the Cyprus problem remains unsolved, as it was formed in the summer of 1974, following the Turkish invasion and occupation. He noted that Turkish settlers are multiplying, properties are being looted and the destruction of cultural heritage goes on, while Turkish troops continue to occupy the northern part of the island and comprise a deadly threat for the future.

[03] Cyprus can become a hub for joining regional interests, FM says

She noted that Cyprus can meet the interests of the various countries in the area, by adding to the utilization of natural wealth in favor of the people of the region, of peace and stability.

Speaking during a party seminar, organized by the Socialist Movement EDEK, Marcoullis referred to the potential of Cyprus in producing energy, and described the country’s role and its relations with the eastern Mediterranean.

The Minister said that Cyprus has already signed an agreement with Egypt for the exploitation of shared resources and the protection of the maritime environment in the region, while she noted that relevant discussion with Israel are also underway.

Marcoullis wished that such discussions would be initiated with Lebanon soon and added that the discovery of hydrocarbons comprises an element for closer cooperation with neighboring countries.

[04] Cyprus launches second hydrocarbon licensing round

The second licensing round will cover the remaining offshore blocks of Cyprus` EEZ, apart from block 12 the license for which has been granted to Houston-based Noble in 2008.

Antoniadou said also that relevant directives to interested parties are given on the website of the Cypriot Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism.

The process allows the applicants 90 days for the submission of applications, to be evaluated by a consultation committee, which will draft a short list to be submitted to the Minister of Commerce.

Minister of Commerce clarified that the launching of second licensing round has been announced on 11th February 2012 and ends 11th of May.

In the meantime, Director of Energy at Cyprus Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism Solon Kassinis speaking at a discussion held by EDEK about Natural Gas, said that he departs abroad in order to find reliable companies which will be interested to participate in the second licensing round.

Kassinis will travel to USA, London and Rome.

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