London Greek Radio

Below you can read the letter sent by Christos Karaolis, President of the National Federation of Cypriots in the UK, to Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson with regard to the intentions of the Turkish Cypriot ‘administration’ to open Derynia beach in the occupied of Famagusta in Cyprus under the control of the Turkish military.

Article written by LGR

Energy plans in block 11 of Cyprus’ Exclusive Economic Zone(EEZ) are going ahead without any problems, the Government Spokesman Nikos Christodoulides has said, noting at the same that Cyprus is approaching the issue by showing seriousness, remaining calm and using few words.

Christodoulides was speaking to the press following today’s meeting of the National Council held at the Presidential Palace.

Asked about Turkey`s new Navtex that affects the Cyprus’ EEZ, he said that this is Ankara`s favourite tactic which has been repeated since 2011 when hydrocarbon activities within Cyprus’ EEZ began.

He said that “immediately after the issuance of the directive to seafarers we proceeded to issue a directive to cancel what Turkey was attempting to do while at the same time we have already taken action at the diplomatic level.”

He said that “we continue to have the same approach. We will not do the favour to Turkey to create a crisis in the Eastern Mediterranean at a public level”, adding that there is no such a thing.

On 26/6 the Republic of Cyprus issued a directive to seafarers (NAVTEX 240/17), saying that drilling operation will be conducted in an area bounded by the drilling ship “West Capella”, from the 10th of July 2017 until 15th of October 2017.

The rights on Block 11 were assigned by the Republic of Cyprus to Total back in 2013 at the conclusion of the second international bid round held by the country. Total decided to extend the lease of Block 11, re-evaluating its geophysical model in view of the discovery of Egypt’s giant Zohr field only about 6km away from the boundary of Block 11.

Article written by CNA

Tourist arrivals in Cyprus in the first half of 2017 reached a new historic record, on the backdrop of a record year in 2016, according to data released on Monday by the Statistical Service (Cystat)

Arrivals for the period of January – June reached 1,463,206 marking an increase of 16.6% compared with the respective period of 2016.
“This figure outnumbered the total arrivals ever recorded in Cyprus in the first six months of the year,” Cystat said. In 2016 tourist arrivals reached a new all-time record reaching 3.2 million tourist arrivals.

June 2017 arrivals reached 472,450 up by 14.4% compared with June 2016. Cyprus Tourism Organisation (CTO) said in a press release that June saw the second highest tourist arrivals following July 2016.

“Another month with high levels of tourist arrivals is added to the current successful tourist season in Cyprus,” CTO said, adding tourist arrivals from all of Cyprus’ main tourist markets contributed to the new increase.

The new rise in arrivals is broad-based with most markets recording increases in tourist arrivals.

Arrivals from the UK, Cyprus main tourist market, increased by 1.2% in June (9.7% in the first half), whereas arrivals from Russia accelerated by 2.1% in June (11.3% in the first six months).

Arrivals from Israel increased by 88.7% in June (up by 81.1% in the first half), with arrivals from Germany registering an increase of 93.1% in June (up by 53.2% in the first half). The Swedish market posted an increase of 25.4%.

On the other hand, arrivals from Ukraine declined by 27.5% in June, followed by France with 19.3%.

Article written by CNA

The National Federation of Cypriots in the UK and the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Cyprus held its annual Parliamentary Reception for Cyprus on Tuesday 11th July to mark the tragic anniversary of the illegal Turkish invasion and occupation of July 1974. During the event, titled ‘Cyprus: The Quest for a Solution’ the Government Spokesperson of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, updated a full house of Parliamentarians and members of the UK Cypriot community about the recent Conference on Cyprus in Crans-Montana, Switzerland.

“The unacceptable status quo is not an option for neither Greek Cypriots nor Turkish Cypriots. The outcome in Crans-Montana is not a positive development… We remain fully committed to negotiating within the UNSG framework, which clearly states that the current system of guarantees must be terminated, that intervention rights should be abolished, and that troops withdraw upon an agreed framework.” 

The Cypriot Government Spokesperson, Nikos Christodoulides stated to MPs.

MPs and Peers express their strong, and cross-party, support for a just and viable solution to the Cyprus issue, including the abolition of guarantees and removal of Turkish troops.

Government Spokesman and Federation President met with Labour Foreign Affairs and Lib Dem Brexit teams to discuss the Cyprus issue and Brexit.

Federation President, Christos Karaolis, welcomed guests to the event and spoke of the UK Cypriot community’s determination to support efforts to find a solution that unites Cyprus, and ensures that Cyprus is free from foreign guarantees and Turkish troops.

He said, “in the face of increasing Turkish intransigence, now is the time for all Cypriots – whether they are Greek Cypriot, Turkish Cypriot, Maronite, Latin or Armenian – to ensure that our demands for a truly independent and sovereign Republic of Cyprus, are heard loud and clear.“

Mr Christodoulides spoke about the recent Conference on Cyprus in Crans-Montana, Switzerland. Mr Christodoulides began by outlining the framework for the meeting prepared by United Nations Secretary General, who chaired two days of the Conference on Cyprus. He went on to say that the UN Secretary General had stated that a new system of guarantees was needed and called for the termination of any right of intervention in favour of a new security system where all Cypriots would feel secure. Mr Christodoulides said that during the recent negotiations “the Turkish side refused to substantially negotiate within the UN Secretary General’s framework and therefore an impasse in the negotiations was reached.”

The Cypriot Government Spokesperson continued, “[in order to end the impasse] President Anastasiades submitted proposals which effectively addressed the concerns of both Greek and Turkish Cypriots… President Anastasiades’ proposal stated unequivocally that it was only valid if the right of intervention and the system of guarantees were abolished; there was full withdrawal of the occupying Turkish troops based on an agreed timeline; and the expectations of the Greek Cypriot side on territorial readjustments were met. All participants reacted positively to the proposal apart from the Turkish side, whose unwillingness to cooperate forced the UN Secretary General to close the meeting.” Mr Christodoulides concluded by expressing his regret that Turkey appears unwilling to work within the UN framework for a solution and stated that “our goals remain unchanged, we are fully committed to having a truly independent, sovereign, reunified state, free of any dependencies on third countries.”

Sir Roger Gale, who had earlier been re-elected Chair of the APPG for Cyprus, informed attendees that, “MPs across all parties remain as resolved as they ever have been for a solution in Cyprus.” Sir Roger concluded by paying a warm tribute to the extensive work of former MPs Sir Alan Meale and David Burrowes in advancing the Cyprus cause in Parliament during their time as MPs.

Speaking after Sir Roger, Baroness Massey of Darwen emphasised her continued support for the reunification of Cyprus, saying she would continue to campaign for a just and viable solution.

The Rt Hon. Theresa Villiers, MP for Chipping Barnet, told attendees that “despite the recent disappointments I would like to say that I have fought for a reunified Cyprus for 18 years and I will continue to fight for however long it takes.” Ms Villiers reaffirmed her support for the abolition of the Treaty of Guarantee and foreign country intervention rights, as well as a clear time-limit to any Turkish troops that were allowed to remain in Cyprus after a solution.

The next MP to speak was Joan Ryan, MP for Enfield North. Ms Ryan paid tribute to the “huge, vibrant and active British Cypriot community” and added that, “the Cyprus issue would be solved already if it was by Cypriots, for Cypriots.”

Bambos Charalambous MP, the recently elected MP, of Cypriot origin, for Enfield Southgate, said that “Cyprus will have a voice in Parliament and we will all do our best and take every opportunity to promote our cause.” Mr Charalambous called on the British Government to put more pressure on Turkey to end its occupation in Cyprus and that “Turkish troops must leave Cyprus and a system of guarantees is not fit for a modern country.”

Catherine West, MP for Hornsey and Wood Green, called for a “solution by Cypriots, for Cypriots”, paid tribute to some of the most important UK Cypriot community organisations and congratulated Bambos Charalambous on his election as MP for Enfield Southgate. Newly appointed Government Whip, Mike Freer MP, expressed that, “my personal view, is that I don’t believe Cyprus requires foreign guarantees or foreign troops.”

Bob Stewart MP spoke passionately about his fond memories of growing up in Cyprus as a child. He declared that, “Cyprus is where my heart is, you cannot find a more beautiful country, you cannot have such history in one place… Cyprus is special and needs reunification.” He went to emphasise the need for compromise to find a solution and said “Turkish troops have no place in Cyprus.”

Jack Dromey MP expressed his disappointment at the collapse of the recent round of negotiations and said “my commitment to the cause of reuniting Cyprus remains steadfast.”

Roger Godsiff MP told the room how he is “a passionate supporter of a reunited Cyprus and will continue to work for this cause in parliament.”

Caroline Nokes MP reaffirmed her commitment to a reunited Cyprus and said, “I will continue to work towards securing a solution that reunites Cyprus and all its people.”

Speaking at the reception, Jeremy Corbyn, Leader of the Labour Party, reiterated his support for the end of the Turkish occupation, the reunification of Cyprus and the return of refugees to their home. Mr Corbyn said that he will “never stop campaigning for the reunification of Cyprus.” He went on to say that he has a longstanding connection to the Cypriot community through his experience as a Councillor in Haringey at the time of the Turkish invasion where he met many refugees and, as a result, has many good friends in the Cypriot community.

Other distinguished guests in attendance included the Cyprus High Commissioner, Euripides Evriviades; members of the Cyprus High Commission; the Mayors of Lefkoniko and Akanthou; Andreas Papaevripides, President of POMAK (the World Federation of Overseas Cypriots); Harry Charalambous, President of NEPOMAK UK (the youth branch of POMAK); and members of the National Federation of Cypriots’ Executive Committee and Secretariat.

Christodoulides meets Labour Foreign Affairs and Lib Dem Brexit teams
As part of Mr Christodoulides’ visit, he met Emily Thornberry (Shadow Foreign Secretary), Khalid Mahmood MP (Shadow Minister for Europe), and Fabian Hamilton MP (Shadow Minister for Peace and Disarmament). During this meeting Mr Christodoulides discussed the Cyprus issue and Brexit. Discussing the Labour Party’s policy on Cyprus, the Shadow Ministers said that a mechanism would have to be found that addresses the security concerns of all Cypriots, however this could not be through the current system of guarantees or the presence of foreign troops.

APPG for Cyprus holds its Annual General Meeting
Prior to the event ‘Cyprus: The Quest for a Solution’, the APPG for Cyprus held its Annual General Meeting where Sir Roger Gale was re-elected as Chair. During the AGM, members of the APPG for Cyprus also had a private meeting with the Cyprus Government Spokesperson. The Officers of the APPG for Cyprus were elected as follows:

Chair: Sir Roger Gale
Vice Chairs: Theresa Villiers, Joan Ryan, Bambos Charalambous
Treasurer: Roger Godsiff
Secretary: Catherine West
Trustees: Angus MacNeil, Baroness Massey of Darwen, Kate Osamor

 

Article written by National Federation of Cypriots in the UK

Below you can read the response of the Foreign and the Commonwealth office to the 23rd of June letters sent to the PM and the Foreign Secretary by the President of the National Federation of Cypriots in the UK, Mr. Christos Karaolis.

 

 

Article written by London Greek Radio

All is going smoothly in relation to the drilling ship “West Capella”, bound to start the exploratory drilling in block 11 of Cyprus’ exclusive economic zone on behalf of Total, Deputy Government Spokesman Victoras Papadopoulos stated on Wednesday.

He also urged for calmness and dismissed reports linking the presence of foreign naval forces in the region with the drilling activity. “At this time, we should all remain calm and down to earth, because many of the news coming from abroad do not correspond to reality and create unnecessary fuss,” Papadopoulos said, in statements at the Presidential Palace.

Vessels in the region are there for specific reasons and “there is nothing worrisome right now,” the Deputy Spokesman added.

According to Papadopoulos, the drilling ship reached its destination in the early hours of Wednesday and is “fully cooperating with the authorities of the Republic of Cyprus”.

In a separate announcement, the Ministry of Energy, Commerce, Industry and Tourism said that the Total E&P Cyprus B.V. / Eni Cyprus Limited consortium commenced today its drilling operations at the ‘Onesiphoros West 1” well.

The “West Capella” drilling ship, already on site, will conduct the necessary checks and tests, once stabilized. According to the Ministry announcement, distributed by PIO, the well is expected to be completed in approximately 75 days, reaching a maximum depth of around 4,250 metres below sea level. At that point, waters are 1,698 metres deep.

Concessions by the Republic of Cyprus in block 11 were granted to Total back in 2013. The French energy giant decided to extend the lease of block 11, re-evaluating its geophysical model in view of the discovery of Egypt’s giant Zohr field, only about 6km away from the boundary of block 11. Last March, Eni announced an agreement with Total to acquire 50% participating interest of the offshore block. Total remains the operator of the block.

 

Article written by

Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades briefed on Monday the members of the National Council about the developments in the negotiations on the Cyprus problem that took place in Crans-Montana, Switzerland.

According to statements made by the leaders of the political parties after the meeting, during today’s session, President Anastasiades informed them mainly about what happened during the last day of the talks in Crans-Montana, and no discussion took place.

Political leaders said the National Council will convene again next Monday and Tuesday, 17 and 18 of June 2017. On Monday, the political party leaders will express their views and the positions and on Tuesday they will discuss the situation in the presence of the Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Kotzias.

Later today, President Anastasiades will also inform the Cypriot people over what happened in Crans-Montana.

The UN-backed talks in Switzerland ended inconclusively. Peace talks aim to reunite Cyprus, divided since the 1974 Turkish invasion, under a federal roof.

Article written by

A 15-YEAR-old girl is reported missing from Harrow, London. She was last seen on Tuesday 4th June approximately 4 pm.

She is a London Cypriot girl. Angel, is described with a nose ring, she was wearing ripped jeans, with trainers and carrying a grey Armani bag.

She went missing with her friend Monika Mikalkeviciute, 16 years-old from Edgware, Middlesex.

UPDATED: 15.07.2017

Angel and her friend Monika have been found safe and the girls are back at home… yesterday evening, Friday 14^th July, her Aunty Christina Pavlou taking to Facebook said: ‘’ She’s home!!! She’s safe, and more importantly alive!!!! ….. Thank you everyone for all your prayers, kind words, support and help, it’s been a living nightmare for us, but she’s finally home, again thank you, I’m so relieved, I can’t stop crying!!!! Thank you God!!!!! ‘’

Article written by London Greek Radio

Theresa May has repeated her call for “flexibility by all sides” involved in the ongoing Conference on Cyprus in a telephone conversation she had this morning with her Greek counterpart Alexis Tsipras.

A Downing Street spokesperson said: “The Prime Minister praised the constructive role that both parties have played to reach this point and reiterated that there is a major opportunity to be seized.

“She added that any agreement requires all sides to show leadership and flexibility and that the UK will do it all it can to support a settlement.”

Prime Minister May had also spoken with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey on Monday. She had noted that “we now have a unique opportunity to reach a settlement” and that in order to reach a final outcome “there will have to be flexibility on all sides.”

Article written by CNA

A 15-year-old Cyprus football player is in urgent need of a bone marrow transplant. Giorgos Mikellides is fighting against leukaemia and the island-run Philanthropic Volunteer Organisation of Footballers ”Goal in Life” has asked all people aged 18-45 to enrol as bone marrow donors to help Giorgos win this important battle.

Giorgos is a member of the AEL Limassol U16 (Under 16) football squad where he plays as an attacker. He started playing football 7 years ago until recently when he was diagnosed with leukaemia.

”As an attacker he has scored many times, but it is time for Giorgos to score a decisive goal. In his struggle to score, he is not alone” reads the announcement. Giorgos is in need of a bone marrow donor in order to undergo a bone marrow transplant operation which is scheduled to take place in mid-July in Germany.

Anyone who is between the ages 18-45 and is a permanent resident of Cyprus can enrol as a bone marrow donor. People interested in helping Giorgos or other people who may be in need of a transplant may apply at the Karaiskakio Foundation, or at the Blood Bank of their nearest hospital and by filling in the online form at http://www.karaiskakio.org.cy .

Article written by in-Cyprus, London Greek Radio