Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 01-08-29

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From: The Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office Server at <http://www.pio.gov.cy/>

Wednesday, 29 August 2001

CONTENTS

• [01] Joint statement on Akrotiri Salt Lake antenna
• [02] Public exposure to electromagnetic radiation in Akrotiri 76 times lower than the recommended limit
• [03] Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides departs for Moscow
• [04] Finance Minister Takis Klerides meets with Belgian counterpart

[01] Joint statement on Akrotiri Salt Lake antenna

"The British and Cyprus Governments have discussed intensively over the last four months the health and environmental aspects of the construction and operation of a new antenna at the Salt Luke site near Akrotiri. The following reflects their joint view on the way ahead.

Experts from both Governments have taken further measurements of the current electro-magnetic emissions at the site. It is clear from these measurements that emissions are and are expected to remain well within the EU parameters established as not posing a risk to health.

The two Governments have reiterated their commitment to conduct a joint long-term medical research study in the area in order to respond to the concerns of local residents.

The two Governments have also considered ideas for handling the environmental issues. They agreed on the following key elements:

-A review of the environmental impacts assessment prepared for the British Ministry of Defence and observations of the Cyprus Ministry of Agriculture, relating to the environmental impact, by a respected, independent, transparent and international panel of reputable experts with relevant experience. The panel would consider the issue in a holistic manner, and give an informed opinion.

-A commitment to co-operate in producing an environmental management strategy for the Salt Lake site, including the creation of a fully protected nature reserve in the Salt Lake area.

-A commitment by the British Government to extend, as soon as possible, application of the 1979 Berne Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats and the 1971 Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance especially as Waterfowl Habitat, to the Sovereign Base Areas, and to designate the Akrotiri Salt Lake for inclusion in the List of Wetlands of International Importance, as provided for in article 2.1 of the Ramsar Convention.

-A joint programme will be established to monitor bird movements during the winter period and the period of reproduction and migration over the area.

The outcome of the environmental review will be shared between the two Governments"

[02] Public exposure to electromagnetic radiation in Akrotiri 76 times lower than the recommended limit

Experts from Ministry of Communications and Works, the Cyprus Telecommunications Authority, and France Telecom conducted measurements aimed at evaluating the levels of electromagnetic radiation of the British antennae at the Akrotiri Salt Lake area, the statement said.

The measurements conducted at six different points near the Salt Lake area showed that the exposure of the public to electromagnetic radiation is at least 76 times lower than the limit recommended by the European Commission (1991/519/EC).

The installation of the new British antenna is not expected to show a considerable increase in the levels of electromagnetic emissions, the statement added.

[03] Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides departs for Moscow

In a statement to the press before his departure, Mr Kasoulides said that talks with his Russian counterpart Mr Ivanov would focus on bilateral relations, on issues of international interest and Russia's role, as a permanent member of the UN Security Council, in the efforts to find a solution to the Cyprus problem.

Mr Kasoulides stressed that Russia's position on the Cyprus problem has always been clear as to the need for a solution within the framework of the United Nations resolutions. This position satisfies the Cyprus Government he said and expressed the hope that the UN resolutions will serve as guidelines for UN Secretary General and his representatives.

[04] Finance Minister Takis Klerides meets with Belgian counterpart

Speaking after the meeting the Belgian Minister, whose country currently holds the six-monthly rotating EU presidency, said that Cyprus' macroeconomics are good and would not pose many problems in the island's efforts to join the European Union and especially the EU monetary system. He also said that not many problems would be encountered as far as inflation and economic policy are concerned but underlined the need to press on with the accession negotiations with the hope of closing more chapters.

Referring to the Cyprus problem Mr Reynders, expressed the hope that the talks between President Clerides and Mr Denktash would resume. Belgium would back the resumption of fresh talks, he added.

For his part, Mr Klerides said that the issue of enhancing bilateral relations between Cyprus and Belgium and Cyprus and the European Union was also discussed. Mr Reynders promised that Belgium would give Cyprus its support in closing as many chapters as possible in the next six months, as well as prepare the ground for closing other chapters in the first half of 2002, he said.

From the Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office (PIO) Server at http://www.pio.gov.cy/

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