Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 07-08-12

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

CONTENTS

[01] CYPRUS PRESIDENT OIL RESERVES TALAT

[02] CYPRIOT FM TURKISH THREATS

[03] HELIOS AIR CRASH MEMORIAL SERVICE

[04] ARCHBISHOP CHRYSOSTOMOS II - TURKEY

[01] CYPRUS PRESIDENT OIL RESERVES TALAT

Since there is the capability and the indication that there are reserves, our duty towards the people and the country is to thoroughly explore these indications, the President said, replying to journalists questions after a memorial service for the 121 victims of the August 14 2005 Helios air crash at Grammatiko site in Athens.

The President was also asked whether Cyprus expectations will be met, regarding the submission of international tenders for the exploration and exploitation of possible hydrocarbon reserves in its exclusive economic zone on August 16th.

No expectations have been expressed, at least not by me, he noted.

Turkey, which occupies one third of Cyprus territory, has reacted to Cyprus sovereign right to conduct investigations in line with international conventions, in its effort to halt the process.

Turkey is the only country in the world which does not recognize the Republic of Cyprus.

The President was also invited to comment on Turkish media reports that a meeting between him and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat will take place end of August.

He indicated that what is important, is not the meeting itself, but the substance of such a meeting.

I believe that what is important, is not the meeting itself, but rather the stance of those who will participate in the meeting as well as what will be discussed, he noted.

Papadopoulos had sent weeks ago a letter to Talat asking for a meeting with him, with a view to promote the implementation of the 8 July agreement. The Turkish Cypriot leader declined the invitation.

Turkish media reported that a meeting will be held between Papadopoulos and Talat end of August beginning of September.

President Papadopoulos and Talat agreed on 8 July 2006, during a meeting in Nicosia in the presence of the then UN Undersecretary General Affairs, Ibrahim Gambari, to begin a process of bicommunal discussions on issues that affect the day-to-day life of the people and concurrently those that concern substantive issues, both contributing to a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem.

[02] CYPRIOT FM TURKISH THREATS

She said the government has already reported Turkeys moves to the European Union and indicated that the negotiating chapter on energy cannot open.

In statements after meeting member of the South Australian Legislative Council Nick Xenophon, Markoulli said the government and the Republics EU partners will continue to take into serious consideration Turkeys behaviour in general, in particular if Turkeys threats are acted upon.

Cyprus, an EU member state since 2004, is divided since 1974 when Turkish troops invaded and occupied 37% of its territory.

[03] HELIOS AIR CRASH MEMORIAL SERVICE

President Papadopoulos, who attended the memorial service for the 121 air crash victims at Saint Johns Cathedral in Nicosia, noted that the investigation of the tragic incident was completed ``in record time``.

Today, we are still shocked by this unprecedented tragedy that hit Cyprus and we pay tribute to all 121 innocent victims who lost their lives. As I had pledged from the beginning, the incident was investigated in depth. The investigation continues and responsibilities, where due, will be attributed, he said.

The President noted that compared to similar incidents in the world, we have completed our investigation in record time.

On 14 August 2005, an Helios Airways Boeing 737, on its way to Prague via Athens, crashed into the mountain side north of the Greek capital killing all 121 passengers and crew on board, most of them Cypriot holidaymakers.

[04] ARCHBISHOP CHRYSOSTOMOS II - TURKEY

In statements Archbishop Chrysostomos II, said he condemned the Turkish governments stance on the issue, as well as a Turkish Courts decision to withdraw the word ecumenical from the title of the Patriarch of Constantinople (Istanbul).

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