Cyprus Could Become The Regional Hub In Easterm Mediterranean

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Free-Press-Release.com) February 19, 2012 -- She noted that Cyprus can meet the interests of the various countries in the area, by adding to the utilization of natural wealth in favor of the people of the region, of peace and stability.

Speaking during a party seminar, organized by the Socialist Movement EDEK, Marcoullis referred to the potential of Cyprus in producing energy, and described the country’s role and its relations with the eastern Mediterranean.

The Minister said that Cyprus has already signed an agreement with Egypt for the exploitation of shared resources and the protection of the maritime environment in the region, while she noted that relevant discussion with Israel are also underway.

Marcoullis wished that such discussions would be initiated with Lebanon soon and added that the discovery of hydrocarbons comprises an element for closer cooperation with neighboring countries.

During the past 12 months, 11 agreements have been signed with Israel, the Minister went on, including an agreement for military cooperation in the exchange of classified information, as well as an agreement for search and rescue.

Hammering closer ties with Israel is a product of wider regional developments, Marcoullis continued, noting that Turkey’s policy shift encouraged Israel to seek for a more solid counterpart in Cyprus and Greece.

Relations between the Republic of Cyprus and Israel should however not be perceived as competitive to relations with the Arab world, the Minister went on, explaining that Cyprus’ policy to the question of Palestine remains firm.

Speaking on the Cyprus problem, the Minister said that the country’s small size and the asymmetrical threats it receives dictate that Cyprus requires all the support it can get, both from Israel and its Arab neighbors.

A Cyprus solution would allow the country to focus more on political developments in the Middle East, Marcoullis went on, helping Nicosia to raise its political profile amongst EU member states. Such a solution, she said, would reinstate security and peace on the island and highlight Cyprus as an island of stability and cooperation in the wider eastern Mediterranean.

On the recent discovery of hydrocarbon reserves within Cyprus’ Exclusive Economic Zone, the Minister of Foreign Affairs said this would usher new types of cooperation with other countries beyond the immediate neighborhood, and noted the importance of forging a multidimensional relations, that add eventually to the country’s geostrategic significance.

In contrast to Turkey, Cyprus has no exaggerated ambitions about its Foreign Policy, Marcoullis said, concluding that the country, as a fully-fledged member state of the EU has its own interests to pursue, which are intertwined with the interest of the European family to which it belongs.CNA
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