Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 07-02-05

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

CONTENTS

[01] CYPRUS - RESEARCH AND HYDROCARBON EXPLOITATION - EGYPT - LEBANON

[02] FORMER PRESIDENT - CONDITION

[01] CYPRUS - RESEARCH AND HYDROCARBON EXPLOITATION - EGYPT - LEBANON

Invited to comment on Turkeys stance and the statements made by Turkish politicians on the oil issue, Pashiardes said that there is no back out on behalf of Egypt or Lebanon regarding the agreements we have signed with these countries.

In statements during his daily briefing, Pashiardes said that if the pseudostate in Turkish occupied Cyprus, which has no territorial waters or continental shelf, begins to exploit any reserves, this act will constitute another illegality that will be added to other such illegalities, which have been committed so far.

The territorial waters and the continental shelf belong to the legal Republic of Cyprus, he stressed.

Regarding the European Unions stance on the issue, he described it as positive, since the EU refers to the respect of the sovereign rights of the Republic of Cyprus and to its inalienable right to sign agreements with any state on any issue.

Referring to the opening up of tenders for research and hydrocarbon exploitation, he reiterated that the first round for the submission of applications will begin on February 15th and end on July 16th.

He noted that the whole procedure is expected to be concluded by Autumn.

Pashiardes was asked whether the government is examining the possibility to amend the legislation on tenders, so that the government could choose the company to explore and exploit gas and oil reserves. He replied negatively, saying that the procedure regarding tenders will be followed according to the law.

Asked if the government of Cyprus has a clear view regarding the US stance on the oil issue, the Spokesman said that surely, the US, like any other country, does not question the Republic of Cyprus sovereign rights.

Asked whether the government is concerned over the forthcoming meeting of the Foreign Ministers of Turkey and the US, he replied negatively.

In principle, we are not concerned by any meetings of the Turkish Foreign Minister. Secondly regardless of any discussion he may have in the US on the oil issue, we will not change our position and decision to proceed as scheduled, he noted.

The Republic of Cyprus, an EU member state since 2004, has signed agreements with Egypt and Lebanon regarding the determination of their exclusive economic zones in the Mediterranean.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkey occupied its northern third.

[02] FORMER PRESIDENT - CONDITION

Clerides was admitted Saturday to Larnaca General Hospitals Intensive Care Unit after he was diagnosed with acute bronchitis.

Cardiologist Bambis Nicolaides stated that Clerides health condition remains stable. We continue the pharmaceutical treatment for acute bronchitis and we prefer that he stays in hospital as long as it is required, so that he fully recovers before leaving the hospital.

There are so many people who would want to visit him, but we think that there should be a limit, he has to rest he added

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