Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 12-01-05

Cyprus News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

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

CONTENTS

[01] Spokesman: Solution to open prospects for cooperation

[02] Downer: Determination needed to overcome difficulties

[03] Hydrocarbons offer a new perspective, FM says

[01] Spokesman: Solution to open prospects for cooperation

Replying to questions regarding the exploitation of natural gas, Stephanou pointed out that President of the Republic Demetris Christofias has clarified that, as far as Turkey is concerned, this was a post-solution issue.

``As long as there is no solution to the Cyprus problem, such issues cannot be raised. The solution of the Cyprus problem can of course create prospects for broader cooperation in the region,`` he said, adding that with a solution, relations with Turkey would be restored.

Turkey, whose troops occupy Cyprus northern part since they invaded in 1974, does not recognise the Republic of Cyprus. In the recent past, it has threatened Cyprus because of plans by Nicosia to explore and exploit its national resources. Ankara has also said it would freeze its relations with the EU and refuse to talk to Cyprus when it assumes the six monthly rotating presidency of the EU, in July this year.

[02] Downer: Determination needed to overcome difficulties

Downer noted that ``the obstacles that stand before an agreement on the core issues at the moment can be resolved, but the question is whether they will be resolved, adding that this requires some political compromises.

Invited to comment a statement by President Christofias that with no progress at the negotiations here in Cyprus he doesn`t see any meaning in a new meeting in New York with the UNSG, Donwer said: Lets see how much progress we can achieve between now and then. I mean thats an important point that we need to make more progress between now and the meeting in Green Tree, to make sure that the meeting in Green Tree is a successful meeting. Its obviously a challenge.

He reiterated that this is a Cypriot-owned process and that this is an opportunity for Cypriots to come up with a solution.`` UN Secretary General Ban Ki moon, President Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu are set to meet in Green Tree on January 22-24. This is the second meeting they will have there.

[03] Hydrocarbons offer a new perspective, FM says

Speaking to the press at the Foreign Ministry, Markoullis said that correlations are now changing since the announcement of the discovery of hydrocarbons in Cyprus Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and it is for this reason that we witness Ankaras opposition.

The Foreign Minister underlined that there is increased international interest in current affairs in Cyprus because of hydrocarbons and she referred to her recent visit to Washington and the meeting she had with Secretary of State Hilary Clinton.

Markoullis said that Cyprus now offers a bigger perspective because of the natural gas reserves and in view of the possible agreements it will strike with foreign companies.

Cyprus News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article