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Israeli Leader's Visit to Cyprus Reflects Shifting Regional Ties
(AP-Washington Post) Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu embarked on a historic visit to Cyprus on Thursday, the first Israeli leader ever to visit the nearby island nation. Ties between Israel and Cyprus have long been chilly. Nicosia looked on warily as Israel built military and trade relations with regional powerhouse Turkey, which doesn't recognize Cyprus as a sovereign state and has occupied its north since 1974. But Israel's relations with Turkey have deteriorated dramatically, while Cyprus has been looking to cement ties with neighbors as a bulwark against Ankara's growing regional influence. Also, Cyprus can't rely as before on top ally, Greece, which is grappling with crushing financial problems. Another potential bridge between Israel and Cyprus is the discovery of huge offshore natural gas deposits in the Mediterranean Sea. The same U.S. company, Noble Energy, is leading the exploration efforts in both countries. (AP-Washington Post)