Cyprus News Agency: News in English (AM), 99-04-01

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From: The Cyprus News Agency at <http://www.cyna.org.cy>

CONTENTS

[01] Clinton's bimonthly report on Cyprus

[02] EU - Preferences - Cyprus

1110:CYPPRESS:01

[01] Clinton's bimonthly report on Cyprus

In his bimonthly report on progress towards a negotiated settlement of the Cyprus problem, he submitted to Congress, and which covers the period between December 1, 1998 and January 31 1999, Clinton also praises President Glafcos Clerides for his decision not to deploy Russian defensive system S-300 on the island.

"The US remains deeply committed to finding a viable solution to the Cyprus problem," Clinton says and describes UN Security Council Resolution 1218 as a significant development, pointing out that "the UN remained active during the reporting period in the effort to resolve the Cyprus dispute."

The American President furthermore praises the decision of the President Clerides not to deploy the S300 missiles on the island as "an important step towards easing tensions on Cyprus."

He emphasizes that "this positive and welcome decision gave important new impetus to efforts to reduce tensions and promote a just and lasting settlement of the Cyprus dispute."

CNA DA/MK/MCH/1999

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1355:CYPPRESS:02

[02] EU - Preferences - Cyprus

Of those asked, 45 per cent support Cyprus' accession to the European Union, 31 per cent oppose it and 24 per cent have not expressed an opinion.

The opinion poll conducted last October and November showed that EU citizens favour in their greater numbers the accession of Malta to the Union and then follow Hungary, Poland, Cyprus and the Czech Republic.

The country which most favours Cyprus' accession is Greece with 89 per cent for, and then follow Sweden with 56 per cent, Britain 55, Spain 52 and Ireland 51.

The opinion poll also showed that the people questioned consider as the most important criterion for accession to the EU the respect of human rights and then follow combating organised crime and drug abuse, protection of the environment, contribution to EU resources and harmonisation with the acquis communautaire.

Cyprus applied for EU membership in 1990 and started substantive accession negotiations in November 1998, along with Slovenia, Poland, Hungary, Estonia and the Czech Republic.

CNA NB/MCH/MK/1999

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

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