Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 12-03-26

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

CONTENTS

[01] Spokesman: President's proposal on Famagusta still stands

[02] House President: Á major issue the case of Varosha

[03] China supports just and viable solution for Cyprus issue

[04] Agreement for the construction of an oil terminal at Vasilikos

[01] Spokesman: President's proposal on Famagusta still stands

In statements he made to the press at the Presidential Palace and commenting on Turkish press publications that the Turkish side intends to open the fenced off city of Famagusta, Stephanou said that such information has been published before with no further development taking place.

In any case, he noted, "the content of the publications are outside the framework of UN Security Council decisions as regards Famagusta".

The Spokesman made it clear that "actions or moves which aim to create impressions, are outside the remit of UN decisions or violate them are not acceptable by the Greek Cypriot side".

He recalled of UN resolution 550 of 1984 which calls for the transfer of this area to the administration of the United Nations.

On the basis of this resolution in 2010 the President of the Republic in the context of a three tier proposal proposed that the area is returned to the UN, that its legal inhabitants return and at the same time that the port of Famagusta opens for trade of the Turkish Cypriot community under the aegis of the EU, without violating the Republic's sovereignty, he noted.

Stephanou recalled further that President Christofias had also proposed the simultaneous opening of Turkey's frozen accession chapters.

Unfortunately, he said, Turkey replied negatively to this initiative despite the obvious motive it had to adopt it.

"The government insists for the return of the area to the United Nations as is provided by resolutions and reasserts the validity of the proposal made by the President of the Republic in 2010", he stressed.

Replying to a question as to what would the government advise Famagusta residents to do in case the Turkish side goes through with a unilateral opening of the fenced off city, Stephanou said his answer already gave the government's approach as regards this matter, adding that he does not consider it productive to theorize about hypothetical scenarios.

Turkey, he stressed should implement resolution 550, something which unfortunately it has failed to do since 1984.

He replied negatively to a question as to whether the government has information about activities in the occupied areas which would lead to the opening up of the fenced off city of Famagusta.

According to Stephanou it is up to Turkey to make it easy for the Cyprus issue to be resolved on the basis of UN resolution and it is up to it to help itself move forward in its accession course.

Unfortunately, he added, its stance so far is towards the exact opposite direction as regards the solution of the Cyprus issue and its accession course, being negative and at times provocative.

Called upon to give an estimate as to the initiative the Turkish side may take until Cyprus takes over the rotating EU Council presidency on July 1, he said that the government observes very carefully the statements made by the Turkish side.

However, he said, Turkey has undertaken certain EU obligation which it needs to implement.

Referring to the upcoming Cyprus presidency and Turkey's negative stance towards it Stephanou recalled that only a few weeks ago European officials told Turkey that it is the Republic of Cyprus' right as a member state to undertake the presidency.

[02] House President: Á major issue the case of Varosha

Omirou said Greek Cypriot side should be cautious in order not to be trapped in Turkish tricks and called on consultation with the political parties.

Stressing that the report referred to Greek Cypriot surviving-since 1974 Turkish invasion - refugees only and not their heirs, Omirou said that "we should be extra cautious in order not to be trapped in Ankara's actions against our national case``.

"It is a major issue and if Turkey`s intention is to use the case of Varosha as a deliberate action to deceive the European and the international community, it should now be uncovered", he said

He added that he will discuss the issue with leaders of parliamentary parties to make representations to European and international parliamentary bodies.

[03] China supports just and viable solution for Cyprus issue

According to an official press release issued on Monday, Hu was addressing Cyprus' new ambassador to China Ioanna Malliotis during a ceremony in Beijing where she presented him with her credentials.

During a meeting after the ceremony he conveyed his warm greetings to President of the Republic Demetris Christofias referring to the 40 years of diplomatic relations the two countries have maintained and expressing the wish that they will continue their excellent cooperation in all areas.

It is further noted that Hu "reiterated his country's constant support to finding a just and viable solution to the Cyprus issue, in accordance with the relevant UN Security Council resolutions". Referring to Cyprus' EU Council rotating presidency due at the second half of 2012, Hu expressed his hope that the two countries cooperate to further deepen China – EU relations.

[04] Agreement for the construction of an oil terminal at Vasilikos

According to a press release, VTT Vasiliko Ltd and J and P Group announce the signing of a strategic cooperation agreement for the construction of an oil storage terminal at Vasilikos, near the coastal town of Limassol, an investment of 220 million euro that ``will turn Cyprus into an energy hub``.

The construction of the terminal is expected to begin in two weeks and to be completed in 2014. At the first phase, the terminal will have a capacity of 357K m³ of oil products (Gasoline, Diesel, Jet fuel, Gasoil, MTBE) which will reach 643K m³ with the completion of the second phase.

Within the framework of the project, a marine jetty with four berths will be created. The jetty will extend off-shore 1200m and will include two loading arms per berth per product, capable of loading / discharging 1250 m³/h per product. For the construction of the oil terminal of VTT Vasiliko Ltd it is estimated that more than 600 new jobs will be created within 2012, whereas another 60 people from Cyprus will be employed to operate and maintain it. Additional jobs will be created in service provision to support terminal and shipping activities.

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