Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 11-09-26

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

CONTENTS

[01] SPOKESMAN - TURKISH - CYPRUS - EEZ EXPLORATIONS

[02] PAPANDREOU - ERDOGAN - CYPRUS

[03] BRITISH SHADOW MINISTER - CYPRUS PROBLEM

[01] SPOKESMAN - TURKISH - CYPRUS - EEZ EXPLORATIONS

Commenting on Turkish reactions on the issue of gas and oil exploration in Cyprus` Exclusive Economic Zone, Stephanou said that the government of the Republic of Cyprus acts in full compliance with the UN Law of the Sea Convention, which Turkey does not recognize, has not signed, does not respect and does not implement, and closely follows and evaluates the Turkish reactions, taking political and diplomatic measures to defend its rights.

Stephanou noted that with its so-called proposal Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu on the issue, pursues to undermine a sovereign right of a UN and EU member state to a bicommunal issue, noting that the proposal is therefore rejected. Eroglou has said that an ad-hoc committee should be established, comprising Greek and Turkish Cypriots, who will meet to give approvals and licenses for drills.

Asked if the drilling explorations may be halted, Stephanou said that having taken all facts into consideration the government has decided to move on with the drilling in the Republics Exclusive Economic Zone and now this process is under way.

He noted that the political decision for the second licensing round has been taken and proposals for the exploitation of reserves, among which Israels proposal are being looked into.

The issue of natural resources exploration and exploitation constitutes a sovereign right of states, Stephanou said, noting that the government of the Republic of Cyprus acts, in full compliance with the Law of the Sea Convention, which Turkey does not recognize, has not signed, does not respect and does not implement, adding that with its behaviour and actions Ankara creates tension in the region and violates international law rules.

He added that the government will continue to defend the sovereign rights of the Republic of Cyprus, at both the political and diplomatic level.

Once again we invited Turkey and the Turkish Cypriot leadership to cooperate for the settlement of the Cyprus problem on the basis of UN Security Council resolutions so that together Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots will be able to fully enjoy the fruits of their cooperation in the framework of a united federal Republic of Cyprus, he added.

Stephanou said that Turkey will benefit from the settlement of the Cyprus problem, as it will be able to conclude joint ventures with the Republic of Cyprus in various fields, including the energy sector.

He noted that the government is following closely and with calm Turkish actions and makes representations when needed. Furthermore he said that permanent and non permanent members of the UN Security Council as well as the EU have recognized the Republic of Cyprus right to conduct conduct surveys within its Exclusive Economic Zone, denouncing Turkeys behaviour.

Turkey, whose troops occupy Cyprus northern part since they invaded in 1974, does not recognise the Republic of Cyprus. Following a decision by Nicosia to begin natural gas and oil exploration in its exclusive economic zone, Ankara has deployed warships in the Eastern Mediterranean and has signed an illegal agreement with the Turkish Cypriot regime in occupied Cyprus to delineate what it calls continental shelf.

Drilling has already begun and is being carried out by Houston-based Noble Energy, off Cyprus south-eastern coast.

The government of Cyprus has protested to the UN and the EU Turkeys moves, saying it has a sovereign right to exploit its natural resources, pointing out that Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots will benefit from any benefits that may come from oil drilling.

Cyprus has signed an agreement to delineate the Exclusive Economic Zone with Egypt and Israel with a view to exploit any possible natural gas and oil reserves in its EEZ. A similar agreement has been signed with Lebanon but the Lebanese Parliament has not yet ratified it.

[02] PAPANDREOU - ERDOGAN - CYPRUS

According to Greek Government Spokesman Elias Mosialos, the conversation replaced the meeting the two men would have had in New York.

Moshialos said that the Cyprus issue was raised where the aim is to find a solution under the UN auspices and this requires stable and constructive talks.

Referring to the security issue in Eastern Mediterranean, following the exploratory drilling in the Exclusive Economic Zone of the Republic of Cyprus, the Greek Prime Minister said that there should be self restraint and calm, said the Spokesman, adding that it is the right of Cyprus, as a sovereign state, to decide what it will do. And one-sided actions that might cause problems in the region should be avoided.

[03] BRITISH SHADOW MINISTER - CYPRUS PROBLEM

According to a press release issued by the National Federation of Cypriots in the UK, speaking at an event organised on Sunday jointly by the Labour Cypriot Society, the Greek Cypriot Brotherhood, AKEL in Britain and EDEK UK, under the auspices of the National Federation of Cypriots in the UK, at Labours annual party conference in Liverpool, David said: ``I reaffirm the Labour Partys full-square commitment to the reunification of the island, in a solution achieved by Cypriots themselves. The challenge for all politicians is to bring about the unity of the island that its indigenous people desire.``

Meaningful discussions have taken place and it is incumbent upon us to see that the negotiating environment is right. We will do everything that we can, as a Labour Party, to see that the unity is made real before too long, he added.

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