Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 12-05-29

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

CONTENTS

[01] FM: Ankara is going to create tension during Cyprus' EU Presidency

[02] Minister: We aim to turn Cyprus into a self-sufficient energy state

[03] Ukraine supports efforts for a Cyprus settlement based on UN

resolutions

[04] First European ecological military camp in Cyprus

[01] FM: Ankara is going to create tension during Cyprus' EU Presidency

Speaking at a lunch for the members of the press, Markoullis expressed the view that Ankara will follow a provocation tactic against the Cyprus government in order to create problems.

However she added that diplomatic circles have expressed the opinion that Ankara will not try to provoke the whole of the EU in order to avoid negative reactions, thus her actions will be controlled.

The Cypriot FM reiterated that the government will be closely monitoring the Turkish movements and will be reacting accordingly.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkey invaded its northern part. Ankara has threatened that it will freeze relations with the Cyprus' EU Presidency.

Markoullis said that a successful Presidency will be very beneficial for Cyprus and the government has prepared a great deal towards that direction, noting at the same time the precious role of the media.

Referring to the logo of the Presidency "For a better Europe", she said that it reflects the critical moments the EU is now facing and the aim for a better economic and social future as well as the efforts to effectively tackle unemployment and show solidarity.

She repeated that the Cyprus' EU Presidency will focus on the Southern Neighborhood because of the current developments in our region. She said that during the Informal Council of Foreign Ministers to take place in Nicosia on September 7th-8th, the Presidency will focus on the Arab Spring.

The Ministry will also host the meeting of the Ministers of European Affairs to take place 29-30 August.

A total of 15 ministerial conferences and more than 150 meetings will take place in Cyprus during the Presidency.

Markoullis said that the total cost of the Presidency will be 62 million euro, compared to 36 million of the current Danish Presidency and 100 million of the Polish Presidency.

Cyprus which joined the EU in 2004, is part of the trio EU Presidency along with Poland and Denmark.

[02] Minister: We aim to turn Cyprus into a self-sufficient energy state

The Minister said that the goal of the government of Cyprus is to gradually turn Cyprus into a energy self-sufficient state through the increased use of renewable energy sources and the exploitation of gas fields that have recently been found in Cyprus' Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

In particular, he noted that as regards the production of electricity from biomass, Cyprus has developed an innovative waste management plan, part of which is the construction of a modern energy unit that will use raw organic material and waste to produce electricity.

Referring to the Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the EU that will begin in July, he said that Cyprus will work for a "Better Europe", a Europe of growth, the benefits of which will be allocated, first and foremost to its citizens.

In his speech, the Cypriot Minister pointed out that more emphasis should be given to a joint action at European level, saying that if the EU aims to lead the way towards the third industrial revolution, it should give a real boost to growth through direct financing by EU funds and launch a new industrial policy that would look to the real economy.

[03] Ukraine supports efforts for a Cyprus settlement based on UN resolutions

An official press release issued here said that during their meeting Omirou expressed the disappointment of the Greek Cypriot side for the course of direct talks aiming at a Cyprus settlement, due to the Turkish intransigence.

Referring to the escalating threats of Turkey as regards the sovereign rights of the Republic of Cyprus in its Exclusive Economic Zone, Omirou underlined that they constitute a blatant violation of the international law and especially of Law of the Sea Convention.

House President expressed his appreciation for Ukraine`s long-standing support to Cyprus` cause and referred to the very good relations between Cyprus and Ukraine as well as between the two parliaments.

[04] First European ecological military camp in Cyprus

The camp is situated at Delikipos, in Larnaka district. It has photovoltaic systems, is irrigated with the use of a biological sewage treatment plant, while soldiers separate waste for recycling.

This is the first time at European level that an EU member state military camp implements an environmental management system and this is the first certified green military map.

In statements, Eliades said that "we are trying to create environmental friendly premises", adding that this project raises environmental awareness among soldiers who will soon undertake their responsibilities as citizens.

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