Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 02-10-09

Cyprus News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

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

CONTENTS

[01] Vassiliou satisfied with Commission's recommendations

[02] Vassiliou says UN peace plan to be submitted after November 3

[03] Pat Cox hopeful for a Cyprus settlement

[01] Vassiliou satisfied with Commission's recommendations

2110:CYPPRESS:17

Vassiliou satisfied with Commission's recommendations

by Maria Koniotou

Brussels, Oct 9 (CNA) - Chief Negotiator for the accession of Cyprus to the EU George Vassiliou has said he is fully satisfied with the recommendation of the European Commission regarding Cyprus' accession, given to publicity today along with those of the other 12 candidate countries.

Vassiliou said this was ''a truly historic day for Cyprus'' but noted that ''in no way should we be carried away by our excitement and joy for the outcome of this day and consider that everything is over''.

He added that ''we have significant work to do on harmonisation, a huge legislative project, we have two more chapters to close and we are obliged to move fast in a series of other sectors''.

Vassiliou pointed out that work must continue on contacts and efforts with member states because ''until the last moment we must consider that we do not have the luxury to rest''.

''Today was a truly historic day for Cyprus. I believe the decision of the Commission was the best that could be'', he said, adding that ''it fully satisfies us''.

[02] Vassiliou says UN peace plan to be submitted after November 3

2120:CYPPRESS:18

Vassiliou says UN peace plan to be submitted after November 3

by Maria Koniotou

Brussels, Oct 9 (CNA) - Cyprus' Chief Negotiator for EU accession George Vassiliou met today in Brussels with US State Department Special Coordinator for Cyprus Thomas Weston, who told him that the United Nations would be submitting a comprehensive settlement plan after the November 3 elections in Turkey.

[03] Pat Cox hopeful for a Cyprus settlement

2130:CYPPRESS:19

Pat Cox hopeful for a Cyprus settlement

by Maria Koniotou

Brussels, Oct 9 (CNA) - President of the European Parliament Pat Cox said here today that although the solution of the Cyprus problem is not a precondition for Cyprus' accession to the EU the optimum condition is for a settled Cyprus to enter the Union and expressed hope that a solution will be found soon.

Invited to comment on recent statements of Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktassh that if the EU accepts Cyprus as its member, "Cyprus talks are ended and the island is divided for ever" Cox said he hoped ''we will find conditions over the coming weeks that will encourage Mr. Denktash and the new Turkish administration after the election to recognize this is a special moment and to seize the moment and to see all of the positive dimensions which can flow from it.''

He also noted ''the engagement of Kofi Annan in a very personal way and the determination by the UN to press for a definitive and comprehensive settlement.''

''We don't yet know the condition on which Cyprus will enter. We know that Cyprus has made enormous progress in the negotiations on the acquis and therefore that definite choice will be the entry of the republic of Cyprus'', President of the EP underlined.

He also noted that ''there has been a passage of time on the dialogue on Cyprus so far without a definitive result'' and said he was aware that ''in the weeks to come the UN in a more focused and determined way will seek to encourage the parties to seize this moment."

"The optimum condition is for a settled Cyprus to enter. It is not a precondition but we should reach for the best'' he added.

Cyprus News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article