Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 03-04-16

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

CONTENTS

[01] Spokesman: accession will contribute to solution

[02] Pat Cox welcomes Cyprus' EU accession

[03] Belgium opens embassy in Nicosia

[04] Athens Declaration on signing of Accession Treaty

[05] Ambassador to represent Turkey at EU enlargement meeting

[06] T/C disappointed because a divided Cyprus joins the EU

[07] Simitis to prepare summer summit by tour of EU

[08] Athens Declaration on signing of Accession Treaty

[09] Chrisostomides: Absence of Turkey is an insult to EU

[10] Weather and Temperatures for Cyprus

[11] Cyprus Stock Exchange

[12] Cyprus signs EU Accession Treaty

[13] Cyprus President addresses EU historic meeting in Athens

[14] US Ambassador congratulates Cyprus

[15] EU Accession Treaty - Protocol on Cyprus

[16] Accession Protocol on British Bases in Cyprus

[17] EU Ambassador says Cyprus' accession adds new focus

[18] Cox says enlargement decisive step forward

[19] Prodi says necessary to develop common external policy

[20] Cypriots celebrate EU accession

[21] Filori says Cyprus settlement can be found after accession

[01] Spokesman: accession will contribute to solution

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Spokesman: accession will contribute to solution

by Athena Arsalidou

Athens, Apr 16 (CNA) -- Cyprus Government Spokesman Kypros Chrisostomides has expressed the hope that the accession of Cyprus to the European Union will contribute towards a viable and lasting political settlement.

He also said that Turkish Cypriots will benefit from the Republic's accession as their living standards will improve and so will social circumstances, in line with those that exist in the southern government-controlled part of the island.

[02] Pat Cox welcomes Cyprus' EU accession

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Pat Cox welcomes Cyprus' EU accession

By Nicos Bellos

Athens, Apr 16 (CNA) -- European Parliament President Pat Cox welcomed Cyprus' EU accession, which he hopes will act as a catalyst for the solution of the island's longstanding political problem.

Answering questions at a press conference here today after a meeting with the 25 EU leaders, Cox speaking, as he noted, on behalf of the European Parliament, he welcomed Cyprus' accession.

[03] Belgium opens embassy in Nicosia

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Belgium opens embassy in Nicosia

Nicosia, Apr 16 (CNA) -- Belgium has formally informed the Cyprus government on its intention to open an embassy in the island's capital Nicosia.

[04] Athens Declaration on signing of Accession Treaty

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Athens Declaration on signing of Accession Treaty

by Maria Koniotou

Athens, Apr 16 (CNÁ) -- On the occasion of European Union enlargement with the accession of ten countries, EU member states have pledged here today that the block will focus on those tasks that are crucial to the well-being, security and prosperity of its citizens.

''Our achievement is unique. This Union represents our common determination to put an end to centuries of conflict and to transcend former divisions on our continent, our common determination to put an end to centuries of conflict and to transcend former divisions on our continent, our will to embark on a peace project, a new future based on cooperation, respect for diversity and mutual understanding,'' the EU member states note in their Athens declaration.

[05] Ambassador to represent Turkey at EU enlargement meeting

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Ambassador to represent Turkey at EU enlargement meeting

by Maria Koniotou

Athens, Apr 16 (CNA) -- Turkey, a candidate country for European Union accession, will be represented by an Ambassador at today's EU meeting on enlargement.

Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul will not be attending the signing ceremony of the Accession Treaty of ten new members of the Union, including the Republic of Cyprus, CNA has learnt.

[06] T/C disappointed because a divided Cyprus joins the EU

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T/C disappointed because a divided Cyprus joins the EU

by Maria Koniotou

Athens, Apr 16 (CNA) -- The Turkish Cypriot community is disappointed by the fact that Cyprus joins the EU without being reunified, Hasan Kahvecioglou, journalist of Turkish Cypriot daily ''Ortam'' told CNA.

Kahvecioglou and other four Turkish Cypriot journalists of ''Kibris'' and ''Kibrisli'' dailies, Genc TV and SIM FM radio, are here to cover the Informal European Council, the signature of the Accession Treaty and the European Conference.

[07] Simitis to prepare summer summit by tour of EU

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Simitis to prepare summer summit by tour of EU

by Athena Arsalidou

Athens, Apr 16 (CNA) -- Greek Prime Minister and current president of the European Council Costas Simitis will start work on preparations for the June EU summit as he embarks on a long tour of nations, that will take him to all 24 countries, current members and those who sign today the Accession Treaty.

[08] Athens Declaration on signing of Accession Treaty

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Athens Declaration on signing of Accession Treaty

(new version as finally approved)

by Maria Koniotou

Athens, Apr 16 (CNÁ) -- On the occasion of European Union enlargement with the accession of ten countries, EU member states have pledged here today that the block will focus on those tasks that are crucial to the well-being, security and prosperity of its citizens.

''Our achievement is unique. This Union represents our common determination to put an end to centuries of conflict and to transcend former divisions on our continent. This Union represents our will to embark on a new future based on cooperation, respect for diversity and mutual understanding,'' the EU member states note in their Athens declaration.

They also pledge to continue to uphold and defend fundamental human rights, both inside and outside the European Union, including the fight against all types of discrimination on the basis of gender, race, ethnic origin, religion or convictions, disability, age or sexual orientation.

[09] Chrisostomides: Absence of Turkey is an insult to EU

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Crisostomides: Absence of Turkey is an insult to EU

by Maria Koniotou

Athens, Apr 16 (CNA) -- The absence of Turkeys Foreign Minister, Abdullah Gul and the Turkish official delegation at the signing ceremony of the Accession Treaty to the European Union is an insult for European countries, Cyprus Government Spokesman Kypros Chrisostomides, told CNA, adding it does not change the facts that the Republic of Cyprus is entering the EU.

[10] Weather and Temperatures for Cyprus

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Weather and Temperatures for Cyprus

Nicosia, Apr 16 (CNA) -- Today's weather and temperatures for Cyprus,
according to the Meteorological Service at Larnaca International
Airport are:

Temperatures (degrees Celcius)
---------------------------------------------------------------
Station               Maximum     Minimum       Weather
(At 1200 UTC)
---------------------------------------------------------------
Nicosia                24            9         FINE
Larnaca                23           11         FINE
Limassol               23           11         FINE
Paphos                 21           11         FINE

[11] Cyprus Stock Exchange

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Cyprus Stock Exchange

Nicosia, Apr 16 (CNA) - The Cyprus Stock Exchange (CSE) All Share
Index closed at today's stock exchange meeting as follows:

CSE General Index                               87,59   (-1,60)

Traded Value                  CYP  1.282.300

FTSE/CYSE 20                  CYP    607.146   340,17   (-2,69)

Sectoral Indices

Banks                         CYP    503.487    98,56   (-2,84)
Approved Investment
Companies                 CYP     46.079    76,26   (-0,34)
Insurance Companies           CYP      6.300    18,20   ( 0,44)
Manufacturing Companies       CYP      6.804    58,90   (-0,32)
Tourism Companies             CYP     21.385    93,62   ( 0,92)
Trading Companies             CYP     24.161    18,97   ( 1,44)
Building and Cement Companies CYP      5.116    72,63   (-0,63)
Énformation Technology
Companies                 CYP      5.574     3,02   (-4,43)
Financial Services Companies  CYP     61.073    15,99   (-2,44)
Fish Culture Companies        CYP         89    12,53   ( 1,70)
Hotels                        CYP      8.744    44,47   (-0,94)
Other Companies               CYP    165.082    81,32   (-0,88)

* The third column presents the percentage variation of

[12] Cyprus signs EU Accession Treaty

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Cyprus signs EU Accession Treaty

by Maria Koniotou

Athens, Apr 16 (CNA) -- Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos and Foreign Minister George Iacovou signed here today the Treaty of Accession to the European Union.

The Protocol for Cyprus attached to the Treaty ''provides for the suspension of the application of the acquis communautaire in those areas of the Republic where the government of the Republic does not exercise effective control.''

[13] Cyprus President addresses EU historic meeting in Athens

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Cyprus President addresses EU historic meeting in Athens

by Maria Koniotou

Athens, Apr 16 (CNA) -- Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos said here today that the Republic's accession to the European Union will not halt efforts for a political settlement and stressed his firm commitment to do all he can towards achieving a peaceful, workable and lasting solution.

The Cypriot President, addressing heads of state and government at the signing ceremony of the Accession Treaty, assured EU leaders that Cyprus' presence within the Union will not be problematic.

He expressed regret that the artificial walls of division prevent the Turkish Cypriots from moving along the course towards Europe.

Papadopoulos extended special thanks to the Greek Presidency, the EU member-states, the Commission and the European Parliament for the invaluable help they offered Cyprus during its accession course.

The full text of President Papadopoulo's address follows:

In the long and chequered nine thousand years of Cyprus history, the signing of the Treaty of Accession of the Republic of Cyprus to the European Union constitutes a crowning landmark of moral vindication of the past and a hopeful starting point of political achievement in the future.

This momentous event justifies the great joy and deep emotion I feel at this historic moment, when I am called upon, as President of the Republic of Cyprus, to sign the Treaty of Accession of the Republic of Cyprus to the European Union.

The same intense joy and emotion is shared by all the people of Cyprus, who justifiably interpret the signing of the Treaty as a vindication of their hard work, their sacrifices and their dreams, in their long and strenuous efforts to join united Europe.

I regret that the artificial walls of division and the line of separation that was imposed by force prevent our Turkish Cypriot compatriots from proceeding with us, within the framework of a reunited Cyprus, on the way to Europe.

As President of the Republic of Cyprus, I reiterate, from this forum as well, at this historic moment of the signing of the Treaty, my firm commitment to exert every effort to achieve a peaceful, workable and viable solution to the Cyprus problem, which will reunite the people and the country that are divided today, in a united, and now enlarged, European Union. And this commitment is not simply a declaration of intent; it is a substantial confirmation of an unyielding position.

In Athens, the birthplace of democracy, and the cradle of European civilisation, in the shade of the sacred rock of Acropolis, the guardian of universal principles throughout the ages, and in the light of the Parthenon, symbol of freedom of the spirit, the enlargement of the European Union is signed today and a new chapter in the history and the course of a renewed Europe is being opened.

In the collective effort of an enlarged European Union to face effectively the escalating challenges and demands of our time, small Cyprus is committed to make its own contribution. Cyprus commits itself to undertake and fulfil all the obligations that its accession to the European Union entails.

The Cyprus question will not make Cyprus presence in the European Union a problem. Nor does accession itself means that we shall give up our sincere efforts to resolve the problem. On the contrary, we now feel that it is all the more imperative to multiply our efforts to achieve a workable solution that will allow the implementation of the acquis communautaire throughout the territory of the Republic of Cyprus, and will reverse the tragic division of our country in united Europe.

[14] US Ambassador congratulates Cyprus

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US Ambassador congratulates Cyprus

Nicosia, Apr 16 (CNA) -- The US congratulated today Cyprus on signing the Accession Treaty with the European Union, to become a fully-fledged member in May 2004.

US Ambassador in Nicosia Michael Klosson, in a statement issued here today, said this would render the bilateral relationship even more wide-ranging and noted that Washington looks forward to expanding its dialogue and deepening cooperation with Cyprus.

''I want to congratulate the government of Cyprus on its signature today of the EU accession treaty. The United States has long been supportive of Cyprus aspirations to join the European Union. With the signing of the treaty in Athens, that dream moves toward reality,'' Ambassador Klosson said in his statement.

The US, he said, had hoped that the UN Secretary General's efforts to reach a just and durable settlement would have led to the signature of the accession treaty by a unified Cyprus.

''We regret that this, despite strong efforts by the UN Secretary General, the United States and other members of the international community, proved not possible for reasons cited by the UN Secretary General,'' he added.

The people of the United States and Cyprus benefit from our countries rich and multi-faceted relationship, supported by strong economic, commercial, cultural, educational, social and political ties, Klosson noted.

[15] EU Accession Treaty - Protocol on Cyprus

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EU Accession Treaty - Protocol on Cyprus

by Maria Koniotou

Athens, Apr 16 (CNA) -- The Protocol on Cyprus, attached to the Treaty of Accession signed here today by the Republic of Cyprus, provides for the suspension of the application of the acquis communautaire in those areas of the Republic where the government of the Republic does not exercise effective control.

The Protocol reads that in the event of a political settlement, the European Council, acting unanimously on the basis of a proposal from the Commission, shall decide on the adaptations to the terms concerning the accession of Cyprus to the European Union with regard to the Turkish Cypriot community.

It is also noted that nothing in the Protocol shall preclude measures with a view to promoting the economic development of the areas the government does not exercise effective control of and that such measures shall not affect the application of the acquis under the conditions set out in the Accession Treaty in any other part of the Republic of Cyprus.

The protocol notes that the EU is ready to accommodate the terms of a settlement in line with the principles on which the EU is founded and expresses the Union's desire that the accession of Cyprus should benefit all Cypriot citizens.

The contracting parties reaffirm in the protocol their commitment to a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem, consistent with relevant UN Security Council resolutions and their strong support for the efforts of the UN Secretary General to that end.

The internationally recognised government of the Republic is prevented from exercising its jurisdiction throughout the territory of the Republic as a result of the 1974 Turkish invasion and continuing occupation of the island's northern part.

Full text of the Protocol follows:

The High Contracting Parties,

Reaffirming their commitment to a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem, consistent with relevant United Nations Security Resolutions, and their strong support for the efforts of the United Nations Secretary General to that end,

Considering that such a comprehensive settlement to the Cyprus problem has not yet been reached,

Considering that it is, therefore, necessary to provide for the suspension of the application of the acquis in those areas of the Republic of Cyprus in which the government of the Republic of Cyprus does not exercise effective control,

Considering that, in the event of a solution to the Cyprus problem this suspension shall be lifted,

Considering that the European Union is ready to accommodate the terms of such a settlement in line with the principles on which the EU is founded,

Considering that it is necessary to provide for the terms under which the relevant provisions of EU law will apply to the line between the above-mentioned areas and both those areas in which the government of the Republic of Cyprus exercises effective control and the Eastern Sovereign Base Area of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland,

Desiring that the accession of Cyprus to the European Union shall benefit all Cypriot citizens and promote civil peace and reconciliation,

Considering, therefore, that nothing in this Protocol shall preclude measures with this end in view,

Considering that such measures shall not affect the application of the acquis under the conditions set out in the Accession Treaty in any other part of the Republic of Cyprus,

Have agreed upon the following provisions:

Article 1

1. The application of the acquis shall be suspended in those areas of the Republic of Cyprus in which the Government of the Republic of Cyprus does not exercise effective control

2. The Council, acting unanimously on the basis of a proposal from the Commission, shall decide on the withdrawal of the suspension referred to in paragraph 1.

Article 2

1. The Council, acting unanimously on the basis of a proposal from the Commission, shall define the terms under which the provisions of EU law shall apply to the line between those areas referred to in Article 1 and the areas in which the Government of the Republic of Cyprus exercises effective control.

2. The boundary between the Eastern Sovereign Base Area and those areas referred to in Article 1 shall be treated as part of the external borders of the Sovereign Base Areas for the purpose of Part IV of the Annex to the Protocol on the Sovereign Base Areas of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland in Cyprus for the duration of the suspension of the application of the acquis according to Article 1.

Article 3

1. Nothing in the Protocol shall preclude measures with a view to promoting the economic development of the areas referred to in Article 1.

2. Such measures shall not affect the application of the acquis under the conditions set out in the Accession Treaty in any other part of the Republic of Cyprus.

Article 4

[16] Accession Protocol on British Bases in Cyprus

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Accession Protocol on British Bases in Cyprus

by Maria Koniotou

Athens, Apr 16 (CNA) -- The Accession Treaty which the Republic of Cyprus signed today with the European Union shall not apply to the British Sovereign Bases in Cyprus, except to the extent necessary to ensure the implementation of agreed arrangements.

These arrangements relate to the conditions of accession of the Republic of Cyprus and another nine countries, who signed here today the Accession Treaty with the EU.

The arrangements are set out in the Protocol on the Sovereign Base Areas of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland in Cyprus annexed to the Act concerning the conditions of accession of the Czech Republic, the Republic of Estonia, the Republic of Cyprus, the Republic of Latvia, the Republic of Lithuania, the Republic of Hungary, the Republic of Malta, the Republic of Poland, the Republic of Slovenia and the Slovak Republic to the European Union and in accordance with the terms of that Protocol.

The Protocol on the British Bases in Cyprus stipulates that the arrangements provided for in this Protocol shall have the sole purpose of regulating the particular situation of the Sovereign Base Areas of the United Kingdom in Cyprus and shall not apply to any other territory of the Community, nor serve as a precedent, whole or in part, for any other special arrangements which either already exist or which might be set up in another European territory provided for in Article 299 of the Treaty.

According to the Protocol persons resident or employed in the territory of the Sovereign Base Areas, who are subject to the social security legislation of the Republic of Cyprus, shall be treated as if they were resident or employed in the territory of the Republic of Cyprus.

The Protocol notes that the Republic of Cyprus shall not be required to carry out checks on persons crossing their land and sea boundaries with the Sovereign Base Areas and any Community restrictions on the crossing of external borders shall not apply in relation to such persons and the United Kingdom shall exercise controls on persons crossing the external borders of the Sovereign Base Areas.

The full text of Protocol No 3 on the Sovereign Base Areas of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland in Cyprus follows:

The High Contracting Parties,

Recalling that the Joint Declaration on the Sovereign Base Areas of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland in Cyprus annexed to the Final Act of the Treaty concerning the Accession of the United Kingdom to the European Communities provided that the arrangements applicable to relations between the European Economic Community and the Sovereign Base Areas will be defined within the context of any agreement between the Community and the Republic of Cyprus,

Taking account of the provisions concerning the Sovereign Base Areas set out in the Treaty concerning the Establishment of the Republic of Cyprus (hereafter referred to as the 'Treaty of Establishment') and the associated Exchanges of Notes dated 16 August 1960,

Noting the Exchange of Notes between the Government of the United Kingdom and the Government of the Republic of Cyprus concerning the administration of the Sovereign Base Areas, dated 16 August 1960, and the attached Declaration by the United Kingdom Government that one of the main objects to be achieved is the protection of the interests of those resident or working in the Sovereign Base Areas, and considering in this context that the said persons should have, to the extent possible, the same treatment as those resident or working in the Republic of Cyprus,

Noting further the provisions of the Treaty of Establishment regarding customs arrangements between the Sovereign Base Areas of the Republic of Cyprus and in particular those of Annex F to the said Treaty,

Noting also the commitment of the United Kingdom not to create customs posts or other frontier barriers between the Sovereign Base Areas and the Republic of Cyprus and the arrangements made pursuant to the Treaty of Establishment whereby the authorities of the Republic of Cyprus administer a wider range of public services in the Sovereign Base Areas, including in the fields of agriculture, customs and taxation,

Confirming that the accession of the Republic of Cyprus to the European Union should not affect the rights and obligation of the parties to the Treaty of Establishment,

Recognising therefore the need to apply certain provisions of the Treaty Establishing the European Community and related EC law to the Sovereign Base Areas and to make special arrangements regarding the implementation of these provisions in the Sovereign Base Areas,

Have agreed upon the following provisions:

Article 1

Article 299 (6) (b) of the Treaty establishing the European Community shall be replaced by the following:

''(b) This Treaty shall not apply to the United Kingdom Sovereign Base Areas of Akrotiri and Dhekelia in Cyprus except to the extent necessary to ensure the implementation of the arrangements set out in the Protocol on the Sovereign Base Areas of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland in Cyprus annexed to the Act concerning the conditions of accession of the Czhech Republic, the Republic of Estonia, the Republic of Cyprus, the Republic of Latvia, the Republic of Lithuania, the Republic of Hungary, the Republic of Malta, the Republic of Poland, the Republic of Slovenia and the Slovak Republic to the European Union and in accordance with the terms of that Protocol.''

Article 2

1. The Sovereign Base Areas shall be included within the customs territory of the Community and, for this purpose, the customs and common commercial policy acts listed in Part One of the Annex to this Protocol shall apply to the Sovereign Base Areas with the amendments set out in the Annex. 2. The acts on turnover taxes, excise duties and other forms of indirect taxation listed in Part Two of the Annex to this Protocol shall apply to the Sovereign Base Areas with the amendments set out in the Annex as well as the relevant provisions applying to Cyprus as set out in the Act concerning the conditions of accession of the Czech Republic, the Republic of Estonia, the Republic of Cyprus, the Republic of Latvia, the Republic of Lithuania, the Republic of Hungary, the Republic of Malta, the Republic of Poland, the Republic of Slovenia and the Slovak Republic to the European Union. 3. The acts listed in Part Three of the Annex to this Protocol shall be amended as set out in the Annex to enable the United Kingdom to maintain the reliefs and exemptions from duties and taxes on supplies to its forces and associated personnel which are granted by the Treaty of Establishment.

Article 3

The following Treaty and related provisions shall apply to the Sovereign Base Areas:

(a) Title II of Part Three of the EC Treaty, on agriculture, and provisions adopted on the basis;

(b) Measures adopted under Article 152 (4)(b) of the EC Treaty.

Article 4

Persons resident or employed in the territory of the Sovereign Base Areas who, under arrangements made pursuant to the Treaty of Establishment and the associated Exchange of Notes dated 16 August 1960, are subject to the social security legislation of the Republic of Cyprus shall be treated for the purposes of the Council Regulation (EEC) No 1408/71 of 14 June 1971 on the application of social security schemes to employed persons, to self-employed persons and to members of their families moving within the Community as if they were resident or employed in the territory of the Republic of Cyprus.

Article 5

1. The Republic of Cyprus shall not be required to carry out checks on persons crossing their land and sea boundaries with the Sovereign Base Areas and any Community restrictions on the crossing of external borders shall not apply in relation to such persons. 2. The United Kingdom shall exercise controls on persons crossing the external borders of the Sovereign Base Areas in accordance with the undertakings se out in Part Four of the Annex to this Protocol.

Article 6

The Council, acting unanimously on a proposal from the Commission, may, in order to ensure effective implementation of the objectives of this Protocol, amend Articles 2 to 5 above, including the Annex, or apply other provisions of the EC Treaty and related Community legislation to the Sovereign Base Areas on such terms and subject to such conditions as it may specify. The Commission shall consult the United Kingdom and the Republic of Cyprus before bringing forward a proposal.

Article 7

1. Subject to paragraph 2, the United Kingdom shall be responsible for the implementation of the Protocol in Sovereign Base Areas. In particular:

(a) the United Kingdom shall be responsible for the application of the Community measures specified in this Protocol in the fields of customs, indirect taxation and the common commercial policy in relation to goods entering or leaving the island of Cyprus through a port or airport within the Sovereign Base Areas; (b) customs controls on goods imported into or exported from the island of Cyprus by the forces of the United Kingdom through a port or airport in the Republic of Cyprus may be carried out within the Sovereign Base Areas; (c) the United Kingdom shall be responsible for issuing any licences, authorizations or certificates which may be required under any applicable Community measure in respect of goods imported into or exported from the island of Cyprus by the forces of the United Kingdom.

2. The Republic of Cyprus shall be responsible for the administration and payment of any Community funds to which persons in the Sovereign Base Areas may be entitled pursuant to the application of the common agricultural policy in the Sovereign Base Areas under Article 3 of this Protocol and the Republic of Cyprus shall be accountable to the Commission for such expenditure. 3. Without prejudice to paragraphs 1 and 2, the United Kingdom may delegate to the competent authorities of the Republic of Cyprus, in accordance with arrangements made pursuant to the Treaty of Establishment, the performance of any functions imposed on a Member State by or under any provision referred to in Articles 2 to 5 above. 4. The United Kingdom and the Republic of Cyprus shall cooperate to ensure the effective implementation of this Protocol in the Sovereign Base Areas, and where appropriate, shall conclude further arrangements concerning the delegation of the implementation of any of the provisions referred to in Articles 2 to 5 and above. A copy of any such arrangements shall be submitted to the Commission.

Article 8

The arrangements provided for in this Protocol shall have the sole purpose of regulating the particular situation of the Sovereign Base Areas of the United Kingdom in Cyprus and shall not apply to any other territory of the Community, nor serve as a precedent, in whole or in part, for any other special arrangements which either already exist or which might be set up in another European territory provided for in Article 299 of the Treaty.

Article 9

The Commission shall report to the European Parliament and the Council every five years on the implementation of the provisions of this Protocol.

ANNEX

References to this Protocol to Directives and Regulations shall be interpreted as references to those Directives and Regulations as amended or substituted from time to time and their implementing acts.

PART ONE

1. Council Regulation (EEC) No 2913/92 of 12 October 1992 establishing the Community Customs Code of which Article 3 (2) shall be replaced by the following: '' 2. The following territories situated outside the territories situated outside the territory of the Member States shall, taking the conventions and treaties applicable to them into account, be considered to be part of the customs territory of the Community:

(a) FRANCE

The territory of the principality of Monaco as defined in the Customs Convention signed in Paris on 18 May 1963 (Official Journal of the French Republic of 27 September 1963, p. 8679)

(b) CYPRUS

The territory of the United Kingdom Sovereign Base Areas of Akrotiri and Dhekelia as defined in the Treaty concerning the Establishment of the Republic of Cyprus, signed in Nicosia, on 16 August 1960 (United Kingdom Treaty Series No 4 (1961) Cmnd. 1252)'';

2. Council Regulation (EEC) No 2658/87 of 23 July 1987 on the tariff and statistical nomenclature and on the Common Customs Tarrif; 3. Council Regulation (EEC) No 918/83 of 28 March 1983 setting up a Community system of reliefs from customs duty; 4. Commission Regulation (EEC) No 2454/93 of 2 July 1993 laying down provisions for the implementation of Council Regulation (EEC) No 2913/92 establishing the Community Customs Code; 5. Council Regulation (EEC) No 3677/90 of 13 December 1990 laying down measures to be taken to discourage the diversion of certain substances to the illicit manufacture of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances; 6.Council Directive 92/109/EEC of 14 December 1992 on the manufacture and the placing on the market of certain substances used in the illicit manufacture of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances;

7. Council Regulation (EEC) No 3911/92 of 9 December 1992 on the export of cultural goods;

8. Council Regulation (EC) No 3295/94 of 22 December 1994 laying down measures concerning the entry into the Community and the export and re-export from the Community of goods infringing certain intellectual property rights;

9. Commission Regulation (EC) No 1367/95 of 16 June 1995 laying down provisions for the implementation of Council Regulation (EC) No 3295/94 laying down measures concerning the entry into to the Community and the export and re-export from the Community of goods infringing certain intellectual property rights;

10. Council Regulation (EC) No 1334/2000 of 22 June 2000 setting up a Community regime for the control of exports of dual-use items and technology.

Part II

1. Sixth Council Directive 77/388/EEC of 17 May 1977 on the harmonisation of the laws of the Member States relating to turnover taxes - Common system of value added tax: uniform basis of assessment of which:

a) Article 3(4), first subparagraph, shall be replaced by the following:

''By way of derogation from paragraph 1, in view of:

- the conventions and treaties which the Principality of Monaco and the Isle of Man have concluded respectively with the French Republic and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland,

- the Treaty concerning the Establishment of the Republic of Cyprus,

the Principality of Monaco, the Isle of Man and the United Kingdom Sovereign Base Areas of Akrotiri and Dhekelia shall not be treated for the purpose of the application of this Directive as third territories.''

b) Article 3(4), second subparagraph, shall be amended by the addition of a third indent as follows:

''- the United Kingdom Sovereign Base Areas of Akrotiri and Dhekelia are treated as transactions originating in or intended for the Republic of Cyprus.''

2. Council Directive 92/12/EEC of 25 February 1992 on the general arrangements for products subject to excise duty and on the holding, movement and monitoring of such products: Article 2(4) shall be amended by the addition of a fifth indent as follows:

''- the United Kingdom Sovereign Base Areas of Akrotiri and Dhekelia are treated as transactions originating in or intended for the Republic of Cyprus.''

Part III

1. Article 135 of Council Regulation (EEC) No 918/83 of 28 March 1983 setting up a Community system of reliefs from customs duty shall be amended by the addition of a new point (d), as follows:

''(d) by the United Kingdom of the reliefs on importations of goods for the use of its forces or the civilian staff accompanying them or for supplying their messes or canteens resulting from the Treaty of Establishment concerning the Republic of Cyprus, dated 16 August 1960''.

2. Sixth Council Directive 77/388/EEC of 17 May 1977 on the harmonisation of the laws of the Member States relating to turnover taxes - Common system of value added tax: uniform basis of assessment, shall be amended:

(a) by the insertion of a fourth indent in Article 14(1) point (g), as follows:

'' - The exemptions set out in the third indent, shall extend to imports by and supplies of goods and services to the forces of the United Kingdom stationed in the island of Cyprus pursuant to the Treaty of Establishment concerning the Republic of Cyprus, dated 16 August 1960, which are for the use of the forces or the civilian staff accompanying them of for supplying their messes or canteens.''

(b) by the replacement of point (b) of Article 17(3) with the following:

''(b) transactions which are exempt under Article 14(1)(g)(i) and under Articles 15, and 16(1)(B) and (C), and paragraph 2''.

3. Article 23(1), first subparagraph, of Council Directive 92/12/EEC of 25 February 1992 on the general arrangements for products subject to excise duty and on the holding, movement and monitoring of such products shall be amended by the addition of a new indent, as follows:

''- for the armed forces of the United Kingdom stationed in the island of Cyprus pursuant to the Treaty of Establishment concerning the Republic of Cyprus dated 16 August 1960, for the use of those forces, for the civilian staff accompanying them or for supplying their messes or canteens''.

Part IV

1. In this Protocol :

(a) ''external borders of the Sovereigns Base Areas'' means their sea boundaries and their airports and seaports, but not their land or sea boundaries with the Republic of Cyprus;

(b) 'crossing points' shall mean any crossing point authorised by the competent authorities of the United Kingdom for the crossing of external borders.

2. The United Kingdom shall only allow the external borders of the Sovereign Base Areas to be crossed at crossing points.

3. (a) Nationals of third countries shall only be permitted to cross the external borders of the Sovereign Base Areas if ?

(i) they possess a valid travel document;

(ii) they are in possession of a valid visa for the Republic of Cyprus, if required;

(iii) they are engaged in defence-related activity or are the family member of a person who is engaged in such activity; and

(iv) they are not a threat to national security.

(b) The United Kingdom may only derogate from these conditions

on humanitarian grounds, on grounds of national interest or in order to comply with its international obligations.

(c) For the purpose of the undertaking in letter (a)(ii)

members of a force, civilian component and dependants, as defined in annex C to the Treaty of Establishment, shall be

treated as not requiring a visa for the Republic of Cyprus. 4. The United Kingdom shall carry out checks on persons crossing the external borders of the Sovereign Base Areas. These checks shall include the verification of travel documents. All persons shall undergo at least one such check in order to establish their identity.

5. The competent authorities of the United Kingdom shall use mobile units to carry out external border surveillance between border crossing points and at crossing points outside of normal opening hours. This surveillance shall be carried out in such a way as to discourage people from circumventing the checks at crossing points. The competent authorities of the United Kingdom shall deploy enough suitably qualified officers to carry out checks and surveillance along the external borders of the Sovereign Base Areas.

6. The United Kingdom authorities shall maintain constant close co-operation with the authorities of the Republic of Cyprus with a view to the effective implementation of checks and surveillance.

7. (a) An applicant for asylum who first entered the island of Cyprus from outside the European Community by one of the Sovereign Base Areas shall be taken back or readmitted to the Sovereign Base Areas at the request of the Member State of the European Community in whose territory the applicant is present.

(b) The Republic of Cyprus, bearing in mind humanitarian considerations, shall work with the United Kingdom with a view to devising practical ways and means of respecting the rights and satisfying the needs of asylum seekers and illegal migrants in the Sovereign Base Areas, in accordance with the relevant Sovereign Base Area Administration legislation.

Declaration by the European Commission

The European Commission confirms its understanding that the provisions of Community law applicable to the Sovereign Base Areas pursuant to Article 3(a) of this Protocol include:

(a) Regulation (EC) No 3448/93 of 6 December 1993 laying down the trade arrangements applicable to certain goods resulting from the processing of agricultural products;

[17] EU Ambassador says Cyprus' accession adds new focus

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EU Ambassador says Cyprus' accession adds new focus

Nicosia, Apr 16 (CNA) -- Cyprus' accession to the EU will add a new focus to the work of the Union, Ambassador Adriaan van der Meer, Head of the European Commission's Delegation in Nicosia said here today, adding that the EU strongly supports the continuation of UN efforts and negotiations in order to reach a lasting settlement of the Cyprus problem.

Speaking during a ceremony in the gardens of the Nicosia Municipality on the occasion of the signing in Athens by Cyprus of the Accession Treaty with the EU, van der Meer said the Union would do all it could to support projects in Cyprus that would further build trust and common understanding between the two communities, adding that the whole of Cyprus would be acceding to the bloc and the acquis communautaire ''will be suspended in the northern part of the island'' until a solution is achieved.

Van der Meer said today's enlargement of the Union is ''without doubt one of Europe's most important achievements'', adding that ''this enlargement is not an opportunity to reunify our continent, it is very simply a historical obligation to address and remedy our past''.

[18] Cox says enlargement decisive step forward

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Cox says enlargement decisive step forward

by Maria Koniotou

Athens, Apr 16 (CNA) -- ''This is a moment to look to the stars, to contemplate a better future together'', President of the European Parliament Pat Cox said here today, speaking at the Ceremony of the Signature of the Treaty of Accession.

[19] Prodi says necessary to develop common external policy

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Prodi says necessary to develop common external policy

by Maria Koniotou

Athens, Apr 16 (CNA) - President of the European Commission Romano Prodi said ''we need to work together much more energetically if we want to have an influence over world affairs, to make our voice heard and defend our principles, and to do that we must develop a common external policy based on shared concepts and we must develop the tools we head for our collective security and defence''.

[20] Cypriots celebrate EU accession

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Cypriots celebrate EU accession

Nicosia, Apr 16 (CNA) - Cypriots hoisted the flag of the European Union in the only divided capital in Europe, while members of the Turkish Cypriot community were prevented by the regime in Turkish occupied areas of the Republic to cross to the free areas.

Greece's Ambassador in Nicosia Christos Panagopoulos, in his address during a ceremony organised by the European Commission Delegation to Cyprus and the Nicosia Municipality at the Town Hall, conveyed a message to Turkish Cypriots that ''Europe will not forget them, despite the reactionary and intransigent policy led by (Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf) Denktash''.

[21] Filori says Cyprus settlement can be found after accession

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Filori says Cyprus settlement can be found after accession

by Maria Koniotou

Athens, Apr 16 (CNA) - The EU considers that there is a possibility of a Cyprus settlement after the accession of the island to the EU and that is why in the Protocol for Cyprus it is provided that the suspension of the application of the acquis communautaire in the northern part of the island will be lifted once Cyprus is reunited, Jean Christophe-Filori, spokesman of Enlargement Commissioner Gunter Verheugen, told CNA.

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