Ladies and Gentlemen,
On behalf of the Cyprus Government, I would like to warmly welcome you all, and express my immense pleasure and honor to address such a distinguished audience, on the occasion of the 27th meeting of the Joint Committee of COSPAS-SARSAT. Hosting this Meeting in Limassol reflects both our willingness and commitment to support the work undertaken through the COSPAS-SARSAT Program, towards the enhancement of the necessary Search and Rescue systems, in order to respond to today’s needs and challenges, and maintain at the same time the required safety levels.
This annual event has come to be recognized as a key forum for addressing the major issues in the field of Search and Rescue. In light of the major technological advances undertaken on a daily basis, the sharp increase in the air and maritime transportation, and their interdependence on an international level, have resulted in the indispensable need for the continuous upgrade and improvement of the Search and Rescue systems.
Strategically located at the crossroads of three continents, Cyprus has witnessed over the centuries the conflicting results stemming from its geographical position. In times of war the control of the island was a pre-requisite to the control of the eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East itself. In times of peace the location of Cyprus has shaped her modern role as a focal point in the Search and Rescue services that cover the whole of Mediterranean. Acting as a connecting hub for an ever growing maritime, air transportation and commercial activities, Cyprus had in many cases to absorb the political frictions of the neighboring countries.
Nowadays, around 60% of the total oil production worldwide is being transferred through Cyprus’ area of jurisdiction, whereas, more than 300.000 airplanes are crossing Cyprus’ FIR. Additionally, a new military conflict in the Middle East and the consequent need for mass evacuation of civilians and their transfer to Cyprus, always remain a possibility that we need to consistently consider. Let me remind you that, in 2006, the political instability in Lebanon, led more than 100,000 people of various nationalities to find refuge in Cyprus and save themselves from the unexpected consequences of the turmoil.
My country has been through a similar situation in 1974, when the unlawful Turkish invasion led to the occupation of 37% of the territory of the Republic of Cyprus. Approximately 200,000 Greek Cypriots were forcibly expelled from their ancestral homes. To this end Cyprus responds with great sensitivity and concern to similar issues and proactively prepares for this sort of unfortunate situations.
In this context, and despite the prevailing financial challenges, Cyprus continues the efforts for the upgrade of its Search and Rescue systems in order to ensure adequate levels of safety and maintain our capability to respond to a wide number of emergencies ranging from medical evacuations, rescue of migrants and asylum seekers, to the provision of high quality of services to the platforms in Cyprus’ Exclusive Economic Zone currently drilling for natural gas. Our strategic plan for Search and Rescue involves the enhancement of a comprehensive system of monitoring, early detection and response to any incident within or outside our area of jurisdiction, and the smooth cooperation with the neighboring countries.
Additionally, the Republic of Cyprus actively supports the efforts for the further use of space-related technologies and applications in the sectors of safety, transport and telecommunications. To this end, on the 27th August 2009, Cyprus has signed an agreement with the European Space Agency (ESA), in order to fully accumulate the provided benefits and to contribute to the development and achievement of the ambitious targets of Europe in the space sector.
In this context, Cyprus is proud to host one of the three MEOLUTS (Medium Earth Orbiting Local User Terminals) that will support and strengthen the implementation of the COSPAR-SARSAT Program for Search and Rescue.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Cyprus, being a full member of the European Union, and situated in an area of constant political tension and uncertainty, aspires to be an active and reliable member of the international community and contribute to a constructive dialogue in order to built bridges of communication with the neighboring countries and nations.
Furthermore, acknowledging the importance of safeguarding an adequate level of safety and a reliable mechanism for the timely and effective response to emergencies, I would like to reiterate our Government’s commitment to support and cooperate with the COSPAS -SARSAT Program, the European Commission and the European Space Agency, for the furtherance of the work towards this direction.
Concluding, I would like to wish you every success in the deliberations of the Meeting and a fruitful and enjoyable stay in Cyprus.
Thank you.