Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 10-04-21

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

CONTENTS

[01] CYPRUS - QATAR - AGREEMENTS

[02] MINISTER QATAR INVESTMENTS

[03] MISSING PERSONS RELATIVES - TURKEY - ECHR

[01] CYPRUS - QATAR - AGREEMENTS

The agreements and memoranda were signed at the Presidential Palace in Nicosia during official talks between delegations of Cyprus and Qatar, headed by President of the Republic of Cyprus Demetris Christofias and Emir of Qatar Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani.

The Air Services Agreement between the government of the Republic of Cyprus and the government of the state of Qatar was signed by Minister of Communication and Works Erato Kozakou Markoullis and Minister of State for International Cooperation, Deputy Minister of Trade and Business Khallet Mohamed Al Attiya.

The second Agreement was signed between the Republic of Cyprus and Qatari Diar, for the formation of a joint venture, by Minister of Finance Charilaos Stavrakis and Qatari Diar Group`s Chief Executive Officer Mohmmed Bin Ali Hedfa.

Regarding the memoranda, the Memorandum of Understanding between the government of the Republic of Cyprus and the government of the state of Qatar on Labour Cooperation was signed by Minister of Labour and Social Insurance Soteroulla Charalambous and the Qatari Minister of State for International Cooperation.

The Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in the fields of Standards and Conformance between the government of the Republic of Cyprus and the government of the state of Qatar was signed by Minister of Commerce, Industry and Tourism Antonis Paschalides and the Qatari Minister of State for International Cooperation.

Furthermore, the Memorandum of Understanding between the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) and the Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry, was signed by CCCI President Manthos Mavromatis and Ambassador of the State of Qatar in Cyprus Mubarak Al Nasser.

Lastly, the Memorandum of Understanding between the Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics and the Supreme Council of Health of Qatar, on cooperation in the provision of services, research and education in the fields of neurology, genetics and biomedical science, was signed by President of the Board of Directors of the Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics Chris Fylaktou and Ambassador of the State of Qatar in Cyprus Mubarak Al Nasser.

President Christofias and the Emir had a brief meeting at the Presidential Palace, followed by official talks with the participation of their respective delegations, and the signing of the agreements and memoranda.

In statements to the press, President Christofias said bilateral relations and ways to enhance them were discussed during the talks, and that the joint investment with Qatari Diar was of great importance, noting that it indicated the high level of relations and the rapid development of cooperation between the two countries.

President Christofias added that he briefed the Emir on the latest developments in the Cyprus problem and efforts to reach a settlement, and thanked him for his understanding.

``Qatar maintains close relations with Turkey and I have thus expressed the wish to the Emir of Qatar that these relations be utilised in order to convince Turkey that it would be to everyone`s benefit to reach a just, viable and functional solution of the Cyprus problem,`` he added.

President Christofias said they also discussed various international and regional issues, especially the Palestinian question.

He assured that the Republic of Cyprus would strive towards developing and expanding bilateral relations with Qatar.

The Emir of Qatar said bilateral relations were built on sound foundations and noted that he was pleased with the agreements signed, adding that his trip to Cyprus would promote relations between the two countries.

He expressed support to efforts for a Cyprus settlement, based on UN resolutions, to the benefit of both communities in Cyprus.

The Emir expressed certainty that Turkey was in favour of a Cyprus settlement and would contribute to a just, viable and functional solution.

He furthermore thanked President Christofias and the Republic of Cyprus for its steadfast support to Arab causes, especially the Palestinian question.

In remarks after the agreement with Qatari Diar was signed, Mohmmed Bin Ali Hedfa said the whole project would cost approximately 150 million EUR, and that the first phase of the five-star hotel would be completed within 30 months from the day it began.

Asked why Cyprus was chosen for the specific project, he pointed out that the economy of the island was good and had not been severely battered by the global financial crisis. ``We believe in Cyprus` economy,`` he concluded.

Cyprus, which joined the EU in 2004, has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third.

[02] MINISTER QATAR INVESTMENTS

Stavrakis underlined that the joint venture that will be created between the Republic of Cyprus and the State Company of Qatar, Qatari Diar, for the construction of a project in Nicosia, including a five-star hotel, a commercial center, offices and apartments worth 150 million US dollars, will constitute the biggest immediate investment that has ever taken place in Cyprus.

The Minister was speaking to the press after an official luncheon hosted Wednesday by President of the Republic of Cyprus, Demetris Christofias and First Lady, Elsie Christofia, to the Emir of the State of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani and his spouse, who paid Cyprus a one day official visit, accompanied by a 90 member delegation.

This is a vote of confidence in the Cypriot economy and shows our credibility among foreign investors, Stavrakis said referring to the agreement signed between the Republic of Cyprus and Qatari Diar, to set up a joint venture.

[03] MISSING PERSONS RELATIVES - TURKEY - ECHR

Speaking at a press conference on the occasion of the 26th Marathon of Love for Missing Persons, 19 - 25 April, Theodosiou said that the issue of missing persons does not only include the exhumation of remains and their identification with the DNA method.

He explained that twice, in 2009 and 2001, the plenary session of the European Court of Human Rights has ordered Turkey to give information about the fate of each and every missing person.

Turkey has not cooperated on any level, no single case has been investigated, he added.

Speaking at the press conference, Archbishop Chrysostomos II said that the humanitarian issue of missing persons is of great importance for the Church of Cyprus and is among its priorities.

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