Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 11-09-20

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

CONTENTS

[01] PRESIDENT RUSSIAN FM

[02] OMIROU DRILLING TURKEY

[03] GOVERNMENT DRILLING

[04] POLICE MARI BLAST

[01] PRESIDENT RUSSIAN FM

Lavrov said that Russias position is based on the international law and he urged all parties to restrain from any actions that would ``aggravate the situation``.

Speaking to the press after the meeting which lasted twenty minutes, President described Russians stance on hydrocarbons, as a shield for Cyprus.

Once again I expressed our gratitude to the Russian Federation and H.E. the Minister for the statement regarding the exploration for gas and oil. It is a position of principle based on the Convention of the Law of the Sea of the UN. This is a shield for Cyprus, President noted.

He also added that other countries followed on the same direction.

President Christofias said that he had a very warm exchange of opinions on problems and issues of common interest with Russian FM, noting that as regards the Cyprus problem, both countries pursue common views, regarding the implementation of the UN resolutions.

A solution which would be agreed between leaderships of the two communities, we are in favor of convening an international conference, which- after the agreement of the internal aspects of the problem-is going to exclusively examine the international aspects of the problem, President underlined.

President Christofias also expressed his gratitude to the Russian Federation and the Russian people for the consistent support towards Cyprus.

Russian FM said that they discussed the traditionally friendly relations between the two countries, adding that we have quite a considerable trade and economic interconnection, we have a very good human relation, we cooperate strongly on international issues, here in the UN and the OSCE.

He also expressed his appreciation on Cyprus contribution in promoting the strategic partnership between Russia and the EU.

Referring to the Cyprus problem, Russian FM said that Russia is firmly in favor of reaching an agreement on the basis of internationally agreed principles, which are the Security Council Resolutions.

Those resolutions outline parameters for finding a settlement which would be subject to the agreement by both communities on Cyprus, it would be sustainable and would be subject to strong international support, he noted.

Lavrov also referred to Cyprus exploitation of hydrocarbons, noting that Russias position is based on international law and the Law of the Sea.

We strongly hope and encourage all parties to avoid any steps which would aggravate the situation and we encourage everyone to remain within the legal framework of the Law of the Sea Convention, he added.

[02] OMIROU DRILLING TURKEY

In his statements at the Parliament, Omirou described the commencement of the explorations in Cyprus EEZ, as a milestone that sets new standards for the countrys strategic and energy upgrade, adding that this development not only has a great economic dimension, but also includes parameters for a geopolitical upgrade of Cyprus.

Cyprus for the first time in its history can take advantage of its geographical position to enhance its peoples struggle for freedom and vindication Speaker of the House underlined.

He added that Turkeys reactions in relation to the commencement of drilling off Cyprus, in view of finding oil and gas reserves, lack of foundation in terms of the International Law, since Turkey refuses to ratify International Convention on the Maritime Law. Meanwhile, he pointed out that Turkey violates the International Law and endangers peace, stability, and cooperation in the Mediterranean region.

[03] GOVERNMENT DRILLING

He also noted that the Cyprus government closely monitors the situation and has taken all necessary actions in order to secure that the procedure will continue without obstructions.

Speaking to the press, Christofides said that the drilling process by Noble Energy has started on the basis of the agreement with the Republic of Cyprus, explaining that this first phase is exploratory and it is likely to last about two and a half months. A second round of exploration will follow, lasting several months and it will give us a clear picture on the size and the quality of the deposit, he added.

Christofides also underlined that Cyprus government has handled the issues of its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEC) and the process of exploration of hydrocarbons with seriousness, determination, confidentiality and composure and it will carry on the same way.

[04] POLICE MARI BLAST

Papageorgiou said that thirty one box files in total will be given to Attorney General at around the same period with the delivery of the conclusion of the Commission of Inquiry to the Cabinet.

The Commission of Inquiry was set up by the Cabinet, to look into the circumstances that have led to a massive explosion at Cyprus Naval Base, near Limassol on July 11th, 2011 which resulted with the death of 13 people and the destruction of the islands main power plant.

The examinations, the interrogations and the researches have completed. We are at the final stage of the preparation and in particular I would say that we are close to the completion of the summary report with our conclusions, Papageorgiou said noting that the 31 box files will be before the Attorney General very soon.

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