Cyprus EU Presidency

Ambassador Andreas Mavroyiannis has described Turkey`s threats to stop any co-operation with the EU during Cyprus’ EU Presidency as unprecedented and totally unacceptable.

Addressing a seminar entitled “Cyprus Presidency: A challenge for the media“ organized here by the Cyprus News Agency (CNA) and the Representation of the European Commission in Cyprus, Mavroyiannis said that Ankara`s stance is “unheard of and totally unacceptable.”

He added that Turkey`s stance is an indication of the difficulties Cyprus will go through during its EU Presidency, in the second half of 2012.

Nicosia, he pointed out, will have to address any unexpected difficulties that may arise during its EU Presidency and referred to Turkey`s threats against Cyprus` sovereign right to explore and exploit its natural gas resources in its Exclusive Economic Zone.

In this difficult political environment, he said, Nicosia is called upon to defend its national interests, continue the Cyprus talks for a solution of the Cyprus problem and lead a successful EU Presidency.

Ambassador Mavroyiannis has described the Cyprus Presidency of the EU as a project of national significance which requires everyone’s broader cooperation and consent. “For the first time”, he noted, “the Republic of Cyprus would be able to chair the EU Council for six months, which gives us a unique opportunity to highlight the role of Cyprus and create an image as a credible, equivalent and responsible European partner `.

He stressed that “during its presidency, Cyprus will be invited to deal with very important issues facing the EU”, and he referred in particular to the EU multiannual EU budget program, the economic crisis and to the further strengthening of the economic governance, as well as to the completion of the Common European Asylum System.

At the same time, he added, “through the Presidency, the Cypriot citizens will have the opportunity to come closer to the European proceedings and the European citizens to get to know Cyprus better”.

He also said that “taking into account the historical and geographical identity of Cyprus, a successful exercise of the EU presidency would mark Cyprus official accession to ‘manhood’ as a EU member state, a process that would bring lasting benefits for our country while projecting a positive image of Cyprus in the world. “

The Cypriot Ambassador said in addition that the exercise of the Presidency will also be a challenge for the state machine, which is tasked with bringing the Presidency to a successful completion. A challenge which becomes even greater considering the economic period of contemplation we go through. “

Mavroyiannis stressed that “a remarkable progress has been achieved up until now in various areas of the preparations,“ noting that” Poland – Denmark – Cyprus 18-month program for the period from 1 July 2011 until 31 December 2012 has been published and will be the basis for the six month Programme of Cyprus Presidency. “

Regarding staffing issues, he added, the “Council’s Working Groups chairpersons have been designated and most of them have been placed in the Permanent Representation in Brussels.“

Furthermore, he continued, “the education and training process of the chairpersons and all officers involved in the Presidency is under way“.

Moreover, he said, that to the greatest extent the meetings to take place in Cyprus have already been set including the Council’s informal meetings and a Preliminary Calendar of Events has been prepared.

Regarding infrastructure projects, the Ambassador said that the renovation work at the Conference Centre and Media Centre in Nicosia is going well and is expected to be completed by January 2012. Certainly, he noted, “preparations will be stepped up more and more as the assumption of the Presidency approaches.“

Undoubtedly, he said, “the presidency is a project of national significance and requires everyone’s greater cooperation and consent, including the House of Representatives, political parties, organized groups, civil society and especially Media, whose contribution is necessary for projecting Cyprus presidency overall work. “

Cyprus Presidency, he added, will always be available to members of the Media in order to ensure their timely and continuous briefing on all the issues concerning both the preparations and proceedings during the presidency.“

Cyprus, an EU member since May 2004, will assume the six monthly rotating EU presidency in July 2012. The Cyprus Secretariat is working in close consultation with Brussels and the trio presidency (Poland and Denmark, in addition to Cyprus) to address all pending issues.