Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 04-04-30

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

CONTENTS

[01] Cypriots celebrate EU accession

[01] Cypriots celebrate EU accession

0030:CYPPRESS:01

Cypriots celebrate EU accession

Nicosia, May 1 (CNA) -- Cypriots gathered tonight in Eleftheria (Freedom) Square to participate in a spectacular event marking Cyprus' European integration along with nine other countries. The Square was decorated with EU flags and the flags of all 25 EU member states.

Officials, including Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos, Head of the Delegation of the European Commission to Cyprus Adriaan van der Meer, Nicosia Mayor Michalis Zampelas, Irish Ambassador to Cyprus John Swift, whose country holds the EU Presidency, and other diplomats converged to the square to congratulate the Cypriot citizens for their great achievement, which has been characterised by many politicians as the most historic achievement after the declaration of the Republic of Cyprus in 1960.

The event started at 16:00 local time (13:00 GMT) with a cultural programme titled ''Cyprus of tradition'', featuring folkloric bands from all communities and religious groups of the island.

The event continued with an open concert with well-known Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot artists, while the gathering highlight was a concert by well-known Cypriot singer Anna Vissi.

At midnight, the concert was interrupted for an address to the people by Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos. Other diplomats also addressed the crowd, congratulating the Cypriots for their big achievement. After the speeches, the flag of the EU was raised alongside the flag of the Republic of Cyprus.

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