Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 96-11-04

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From: The Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office Server at <http://www.pio.gov.cy/>

News Update

04/11/96

CONTENTS

• [01] Canada ready to contribute to new efforts to solve Cyprus problem
• [02] Cyprus' Communications and Works sectors prepare to meet new challenges

[01] Canada ready to contribute to new efforts to solve Cyprus problem

Addressing the annual dinner of supporters of Greek Canadian MP Yiannis Kannis, the Minister said that the Cyprus problem has existed for decades. He added that Canada has been actively involved in efforts towards a solution and that for almost thirty years has been contributing with a military contingent in the United Nations Peace-keeping Force on the island.

Mr Axworthy stressed that the Cyprus problem must be solved. He said that certain favourable prospects are appearing on the horizon and these must be taken advantage of through the support of all of us.

"I can tell you that Canada will be involved in the new initiatives and efforts that are expected to be undertaken", he said.

[02] Cyprus' Communications and Works sectors prepare to meet new challenges

He said these conditions are defined mainly by the process of Cyprus' accession to the European Union, the technological advances and the reforms taking place with the globalisation of the economy.

Outlining his Ministry's budget, Mr Adamides said that total expenditure in the Regular and Development Budget for 1997 will amount to 145.8 million Cyprus pounds. Out of this expenditure, 84.87 million Cyprus pounds (35.07% of the total Development Budget) is earmarked for investments in development projects, while 60.95 million Cyprus pounds is planned for the Regular Budget (4.43% of the total).In addition revenues are estimated at 99.8 million Cyprus pounds (9.2% of total state revenues).

The Ministry of Communications and Works is responsible for the Public Works Department, the Civil Aviation Department and airport infrastructure, the Road Transport Department, the Merchant Shipping Department, Postal Services, the Antiquities Department and the Department of Electrical and Mechanical Services.

The Ministry also has a supervisory role over the Cyprus Telecommunications Authority and the Cyprus Ports Authority and is also responsible for regulating radio and television media.

It also acts as a liaison between the government and institutionalised sectors such as the Scientific and Technical Chamber of Cyprus and the Council for Registration and Control of Employers for Technical and Construction Projects.

Referring to the new conditions emerging in the regional and international scenes, Mr Adamides said that a direct result will be liberalisation and competition.

"These developments create both dangers and opportunities", he added. "Dangers for those sectors which will be unprepared for the new competitive environment and opportunities for those who will exploit the changes by diversifying and widening their operational horizons".

The Minister emphasised that the political approach consists of the most effective preparation for the speediest possible response to these challenges.

Among other projects, the Minister referred to the Limassol-Paphos highway, which should be completed by 1999. He also referred to other important road- construction projects which will improve the road network considerably.

Furthermore he said that plans for the new House of Representatives building would be ready before the end of the year.

He also said work on a new arrivals lounge for Paphos airport would begin next year, as would further building works at Larnaca airport.

The Minister also referred to the continuing efforts of his Ministry for further improving the quality of Cyprus merchant shipping.

Regarding the Antiquities Department, Mr Adamides said that in the framework of our available human resources we are doing everything possible to promote our antiquities as part of our historical and cultural heritage. He said this was all the more imperative in view of the looting of our archaeological sites in the occupied area and the smuggling of many antiquities and works of art abroad as a result of the Turkish invasion and occupation.

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