Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 12-05-18

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

CONTENTS

[01] President expresses optimism about future of Cypriot economy

[02] FM condemns Turkey`s new threats against Cypriot EEZ

[03] Minister: Energy, greatest challenge after handling Cyprus issue

[01] President expresses optimism about future of Cypriot economy

``We base our belief that better days stand before us in the interest shown by foreigners to invest in Cyprus and in the medium and long term prospects arising in connection with the findings of hydrocarbon reserves in our Exclusive Economic Zone as well as the interest shown for their exploitation through the second licensing round``, he pointed out.

In his address at the opening of the 37th Cyprus International State Fair, President Christofias referred to the eurozone crisis, saying that the perception which gradually consolidates across Europe is that without development and policies that support growth, the crisis can not be overcome.

He expressed regret that "all this time Europe has lost valuable time by applying one-dimensional austerity policies which have unfortunately victimized millions of European citizens".

[02] FM condemns Turkey`s new threats against Cypriot EEZ

"The Turkish Foreign Ministry's new threats prove once more Turkey's illegal and provocative behavior" the Cypriot FM notes.

It furthermore points out that Turkish threats are groundless since the Republic of Cyprus has always acted in accordance with international law and exercises its sovereign rights over land, sea and in its Exclusive Economic Zone / Continental Shelf, as safeguarded by the international law and particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (1982).

In addition, it stresses that Cyprus enjoys the support of the international community to exercise its sovereign rights, as has been expressed many times both on bilateral, as well as on multilateral level.

``Turkish claims are unfounded and contrary to international law. An occupying power can not define the policy for an independent and sovereign state, nor attempt to impose its expansionist plans through threats'' the statement notes.

[03] Minister: Energy, greatest challenge after handling Cyprus issue

In his address at the opening ceremony of the Cyprus International State Fair, Sylikiotis pointed out that the recent discovery of large quantities of natural gas within Cyprus' EEZ, "combined with the excellent results in terms of participation of major foreign companies for the second licensing round, create new perspectives for Cyprus' role in the world energy map".

Sylikiotis added that the government has drafted its energy policy by investing in three areas, namely, strengthening the security of energy supply to Europe, safeguarding the geo-strategic role of Cyprus and bringing natural gas and renewable energy sources to Cyprus so that the island gradually becomes energy self-sufficient.

He noted that the implementation of the energy policy requires the construction of the necessary energy infrastructure for the utilization of Cyprus' natural gas deposits.

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