Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 06-05-02

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

CONTENTS

[01] PAPADOPOULOS - US - RELATIONS

[02] CHRISTOFIAS - ITALY

[03] CYPRUS - EURO

[01] PAPADOPOULOS - US - RELATIONS

"The relations between both countries are improving constantly. Our relations are good, when there is good understanding. We want cooperation and friendship with the US but we will not sacrifice want we see as our basic national interests," President Papadopoulos noted, replying to comments that after his interview with Greek newspaper "Eleftheros Typos" the relations between Cyprus and the US were deteriorating.

Asked whether he was planning to travel to the US for contacts with the US administration, he said that for any matters that arise, he is in contact with the US Ambassador in Nicosia, Roland Schlicher.

"I have not asked for any contact. I communicate with the US Ambassador in Nicosia, who is a very good Ambassador and his mission here is effective," he noted, replying to questions by the press after attending a reception hosted in Nicosia for Poland`s national day.

Referring to Poland`s national day, he said that Poland is an important EU state, adding that the relations between both countries are good.

"Our relations are good and are developing constantly. We must honour Poland`s national day and this is the reason of my presence here," he concluded.

[02] CHRISTOFIAS - ITALY

Wishing them every success in their new, highly demanding duties, Christofias refers to the close and traditionally friendly relations between the Cypriot and the Italian Parliaments, as well as the excellent cooperation both on bilateral and international level.

``These relations are premised on the common Euro-Mediterranean identity and principles on which the two countries and their peoples are focused upon,`` Christofias notes.

The Cypriot House President also says that he looks forward to continuing and further strengthening this cooperation, noting that after the Cypriot parliamentary elections scheduled for May 21, the Cypriot House will submit proposals towards this direction.

[03] CYPRUS - EURO

Replying to questions, Sarris said that the agreement, to be signed on the sidelines of the EU Finance Ministers` Council (ECOFIN), provides for the funding of a ``large part`` of the Cypriot campaign for the euro and will be implemented shortly after the signing of agreement until January 1, 2008, when Cyprus is scheduled to join the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU).

``The sound and timely information of the citizens on the Euro is one of our basic targets for the smooth transition to the euro,`` Sarris added.

Replying to a question whether the Cypriot President or he himself are thinking to postpone Cyprus` entry to the Eurozone in view of information for a new UN-led initiative for the solution of the Cyprus problem, Sarris said that ``the President, as everyone, has a particular interest in preparing for a Cyprus reunification,`` adding that ``we look at economic issues with great attention.``

``We believe that joining the euro will be a positive step which would remove controversial issues from the negotiating table, such as the new states` currency, the common Central Bank and the fiscal frameworks,`` Sarris added, noting that ``the fact that we proceed with our entry to the euro with no delay is a rather positive step.``

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