Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 01-01-15

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

Monday, 15 January 2001

CONTENTS

• [01] Alliance of Small Island States workshop begins in Nicosia

[01] Alliance of Small Island States workshop begins in

"Small island developing states, given their size, limited resources and geographic dispersion and in many cases isolation of markets, face special challenges and vulnerabilities, in their effort to achieve sustainable development", Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides said today.

Speaking at the Third Aosis Workshop on Energy, Climate Change and Preparations for the 9th Session of the Commission on Sustainable Development which begun in Nicosia, Mr Kasoulides said that the Alliance of Small Island States has become actively engaged in a serious effort to influence international affairs on a number of issues, in particular the discussions relating to global warming.

This workshop is "a key opportunity" not only to make a valuable contribution to the forthcoming session of the United Nations Commission on Sustainable development, but also to formalize an energy agenda for small island developing states, he said.

Mr Kasoulides pointed out that the Cyprus government stands ready to share its expertise and experience in areas of direct concern to most small states such as solar energy, sustainable tourism and water resource development, as well as the encouragement of sound land use practices and proper coastal zone management.

He affirmed that Cyprus, which is currently advancing rapidly in its accession negotiations with the European Union, has every intention not only to maintain but also to further strengthen its traditional bonds of friendship and cooperation with the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS).

"In our future capacity as a member of the European family, we wish to be a link between the community of small states and our future European partners thus serving as a bridge of cooperation and understanding for the benefit of all", he added.

Mr Kasoulides also underlined that the question of the security of small states needs to be adequately addressed by the international community. Referring to Cyprus, a victim of aggression and occupation, he expressed gratitude to the small states for their continuous support and solidarity in the struggle to unify the island and to preserve and restore its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Forty-three states from all regions of the world - Africa, the Caribbean, Indian Ocean, Mediterranean, Pacific and South China Sea - that share similar development challenges and concerns about the environment, especially their vulnerability to the adverse effects of global climate change are participating at the workshop, which is sponsored by the governments of Norway, New Zealand, Switzerland and Cyprus.

The goals of the workshop (15-19 January) are the following:

a) Increase the level of understanding and awareness about the links between climate change, energy and sustainable development among professionals involved in the climate change activities as well as other sustainable development negotiations

b) Identify mechanisms to facilitate the exchange of information and experience between Small Island Developing State (SIDS) professionals working in these areas.

c) Develop proposals for submission to donors at the 9th session of the CSD for supporting capacity development for the transition to sustainable energy services.

d) Initiate the development of a sustainable energy document that will help to guide capacity development and policy making and planning in SIDS.

Further information on the workshop can be found on the following webpage:

From the Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office (PIO) Server at http://www.pio.gov.cy/

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