Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 11-09-30

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

CONTENTS

[01] CYPRUS TALKS - MEETING - UNSG SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE

[02] GREEK PRESIDENT - CYPRUS PROBLEM

[03] CYPRIOT FRESCOES - REPATRIATION

[04] CYPRUS INDEPENDENCE ANNIVERSARY - MILITARY PARADE

[01] CYPRUS TALKS - MEETING - UNSG SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE

In a short statement after President of the Republic of Cyprus Demetris Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglou concluded their meeting, she said that the two leaders met today and exchanged views on internal aspects of security, adding that they will meet again on Tuesday October 4th at 10 oclock.

Over the past fourteen meetings they have covered all of the chapters, she said, adding that next week they will move into a heightened phase to discuss across the chapters.

Invited to say whether the Turkish Cypriot side has suggested that the natural gas matter be discussed in the context of the talks Buttenheim replied that it has not been suggested.

Replying to a question on how many more meetings the two leaders will hold before their meeting with UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon takes place she said that they have scheduled six meetings over the next three weeks.

Cyprus was divided in 1974 when Turkey invaded the island occupying 37% of its territory. UN led talks have been ongoing since 2008 between the leaders of the two communities with a view to reunite the island under a federal roof.

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.

Drilling has already begun and is being carried out by Houston-based Noble Energy, off Cyprus south-eastern coast.

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 PRESIDENT - CYPRUS PROBLEM

In a letter to Christofias, on the occasion the 51st anniversary of the Republic of Cyprus independence, Papoulias also noted that Greece will spare no effort and determination to achieve a settlement of the Cyprus problem. He added that Greece will continue to do its outmost and continue to support the Republic of Cyprus.

Papoulias wished on behalf of the people of Greece and himself freedom and welfare to the people of Cyprus. He noted that Greek policy on the Cyprus question has been based on the respect of the Cypriot sovereignty, the continuous cooperation and the full coordination with the Cyprus government.

[03] CYPRIOT FRESCOES - REPATRIATION

Speaking at a press conference on Friday, the primate of the Greek Orthodox Church of Cyprus, Archbishop Chrysostomos II said the return of the frescoes belonging to Saint Themonianos Church in Lysi, was achieved through the systematic work and cooperation of all sources involved.

The Archbishop said that following the Turkish invasion of 1974, the churches in the north were looted. The Turks removed frescoes, stole icons old and new and other items and transferred them to European and American markets where the Cyprus church, together with the government, have been struggling for 37 years now to repatriate them. Millions were spent by the Church and the government to bring these treasures home, he added.

[04] CYPRUS INDEPENDENCE ANNIVERSARY - MILITARY PARADE

Participating in tomorrows parade will be National Guard forces and members of the Greek military contingent stationed in Cyprus, the police, the fire brigade, the forestry and the civil defence services.

The parade will be attended by the President of Cyprus, Demetris Christofias, in the presence of political, religious and military leadership, as well as of the Greek Defense Minister, Panayiotis Beglitis.

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