Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 11-11-22

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

CONTENTS

[01] President calls for consensus to deal with financial hardship

[02] Greek FM urges Turkey to contribute to a solution

[03] Cyprus National Guard Commander meets EUMC chiefs

[01] President calls for consensus to deal with financial hardship

ŤOur job and duty is to reach the necessary understanding in order to deal with the adverse financial prospects that lie ahead, the President said today, when asked to comment on a letter by EU Commissioner for Economic and Monetary Affairs Olli Rehn, concerning the state of the economy in Cyprus and four other member states.

Speaking in Limassol, President Christofias noted that there are rules in the EU, whether we like it or not, adding that Olli Rehn is doing his job and we must do ours.

Our duty is to confront the crisis and avoid entering the financial stability mechanism, since the opposite would entail adverse consequences for all Cypriot people, he said.

Asked whether tomorrows Cabinet session will discuss a package of financial consolidation measures, the President explained that the government is constantly discussing such measures, adding that the issue at stake is for the measures to be accepted by the social partners and the House of Representatives.

He said that it is still not clear if the social partners are against the measures, adding that consultations have just begun.

Responding to questions about his visit, yesterday, to a drilling rig, off Cyprus southern coast, he said the purpose of the visit was to have first hand information about the ongoing activity, which, as he pointed out, is of major concern, not just to the surrounding region, but to the whole world.

Houston-based Noble Energy began drilling earlier this year to locate possible hydrocarbon reserves in Block 12, in Cyprus Exclusive Economic Zone.

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.

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] Greek FM urges Turkey to contribute to a solution

Demas who was received on Tuesday by Cyprus President Demetris Christofias noted in statements after the meeting that Greece supports the Republic of Cyprus and the efforts made by Christofias to solve the Cyprus problem.

He said that he had a very useful and constructive discussion with Cyprus President and thanked him for informing him about the course of the negotiations on the Cyprus problem.

Demas said that they also discussed other issues of mutual interest concerning the broader region.

Greece supports efforts for a Cyprus settlement and the reunification of Cyprus. We are focused on our common goal for a viable, functional and just settlement, consistent with the UN resolution and the EU values and principles, harmonized with the acquis communautaire, he noted.

Demas said that Turkey does not contribute to finding a settlement and that is why we are not optimistic that there will be a settlement that will create the required conditions to exploit all potentials for the countries in the region.

He noted that Turkey should make some steps to have progress in the talks and must refrain from making statements and taking actions as regards the Exclusive Economic Zone which are not constructive but contrary to the international law and foment the tension in the region.

Demas said that Greek Cypriots and Greece want to have good relations with Turkey, but Ankara on her part must review its actions and statements.

Houston-based Noble Energy began drilling in Cyprus EEZ last September. Cyprus has signed an agreement to delineate the EEZ with Egypt and Israel with a view to exploit any possible natural gas and oil reserves in its EEZ. A similar agreement was signed with Lebanon but the Lebanese Parliament has not yet ratified it.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkish troops invaded and occupied 37% of its territory.

[03] Cyprus National Guard Commander meets EUMC chiefs

The session included an intervention by the European Defence Agency (EDA) Chief Executive Claude-France Arnould. Cyprus was represented by National Guard Commander, Lieutenant General Stylianos Nasis.

In the operations working session, the Chiefs of Defence were briefed by the Operation Commander of EUFOR Althea, which continues its role in stabilising and strengthening Bosnia and Herzegovina as part of a comprehensive EU approach.

Under the umbrella of the EU`s Strategic Framework for the Horn of Africa, the Mission Commander of the EU Training Mission Somalia updated the Committee on the third intake of trainees, and the Operation Commander of EUNAVFOR Atalanta described a range of measures that should be taken in order to maintain the considerable success of the operation against piracy.

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