Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 11-11-02

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

CONTENTS

[01] FM CYPRUS ISSUE

[02] US CONGRESSMEN TURKISH THREATS AGAINST CYPRUS

[03] PISSARIDES CYPRUS ECONOMY

[04] PERES VISIT POLICE SECURITY MEASURES

[01] FM CYPRUS ISSUE

Speaking during the Annual Dinner and Dance of the Cypriot Community of Western Australia, Marcoullis underlined the difficulties deriving from the stance of the Turkish Cypriot side and its negative positions on core issues of the Cyprus problem, as well as Turkey`s provocative stance and threats against the Republic of Cyprus.

She noted that Turkey questions the sovereign rights of Cyprus to conduct explorations and exploit its natural resources within its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

Furthermore Marcoullis elaborated on the positive references as regards Cyprus in the Communique of the Commonwealth Heads of States and Government Meeting, which she attended and which was held in Perth, Australia, on 28-30 October 2011, with the participation of 53 Commonwealth member states.

Specifically, the Heads of State and Government of the Commonwealth reaffirmed the previous Commonwealth Communique on Cyprus and expressed their full support to the sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and unity of the Republic of Cyprus.

They also expressed support to the efforts of the leaders of the two communities, under the auspices of the UN Secretary-Generals Good Offices Mission, to bring about a comprehensive Cyprus settlement, based on the UN Charter and the relevant Resolutions of the UN Security Council for one state of Cyprus, with a single sovereignty, a single international personality and a single citizenship, in a bicommunal, bizonal federation with political equality, as described in the relevant UN Security Council Resolutions.

Moreover, the Commonwealth Heads of State and Government called for the implementation of the UN Security Councils Resolutions, in particular 365 (1974), 541 (1983), 550 (1984), and 1251 (1999) and reiterated their support for the full respect of the human rights of all Cypriots and for the accounting of the fate of all missing persons.

The Heads of State and Government of the Commonwealth also extended their full support and solidarity to the Republic of Cyprus in the exercise of its sovereign rights under international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea to explore and exploit the natural resources in its Exclusive Economic Zone.

[02] US CONGRESSMEN TURKISH THREATS AGAINST CYPRUS

In their statement, Berkley and Engel expressed strong opposition to any U.S. arms sales to Turkey at a time when that nation continues to bully its neighbors -- Cyprus and Israel -- and has threatened a naval confrontation with the Jewish State.

Given Turkeys actions, we urge our Congressional colleagues to join us in rejecting any attempt to supply weapons to a country that is threatening some of Americas closest allies and supporting terrorist groups like Hamas, said Berkley and Engel.

[03] PISSARIDES CYPRUS ECONOMY

Speaking to CNA from London, Pissarides said the new developments created after the Greek government`s decision are much more worrisome for Cyprus` banking system due to the uncertainty concerning the size of the haircut of Greek Government bonds.

According to Pissarides, a possible no vote on the Greek referendum to be held in late December, would lead the country out of the Eurozone and to a consequent default.

Replying to a question whether Cyprus, exposed to Greek sovereign debt through its banking system, should be more concerned following the Greek government`s decision, Pissarides replied affirmatively, pointing out no one could know the size of the eventual haircut of Greek bonds.

``In case of a no vote in the referendum Greece, would be forced to leave the eurozone and default on its debt, the Greek bond haircut would not be 50% but 100% or in any case above 50%. This is a more serious situation for the banks,`` Pissarides noted.

``The latest developments are much more worrisome for our banking system than some days ago because I believed that (German Chancellor Angela) Merkel and (French President Nicolas) Sarkozy would reach to an agreement,`` he said, adding ``But now our confidence lies with the Greek voters.``

[04] PERES VISIT POLICE SECURITY MEASURES

Police Spokesman Michalis Katsounotos said the Police are on high alert in view of the visit on Thursday, and would be in full force the moment the President arrives in Cyprus.

He said the Emergency Response Unit, with its Special Antiterrorist Squad, will be in close cooperation with other Police departments and services, to cover the whole operation.

Katsounotos noted that the Crisis Management Centre of the Unit would be in operation, and that the helicopter of the Air Operation Unit would be monitoring the whole operation.

He added that Chief of Police Michalis Papageorgiou has given clear orders to everyone involved in the Police operation to be fully alert and ready to make sure security is totally successful during Peres` visit.

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