Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 97-02-26

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From: The Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office Server at <http://www.pio.gov.cy/>

News Update

Wednesday, 26/02/97

CONTENTS

• [01] Van den Broek - Michaelides discuss Cyprus - EU relations
• [02] EU - Cyprus Association Council: Prospect for membership offers opportunity for solution in 1997
• [03] Changes in local government proposed
• [04] In brief

[01] Van den Broek - Michaelides discuss Cyprus - EU relations

Mr Michaelides reaffirmed that the Cyprus Government is making every possible effort to break the present deadlock in efforts to reach a solution to the Cyprus problem, for which, he noted, the Turkish side is to blame.

The Foreign Minister pointed out that every serious effort undertaken for resuming negotiations falls to the wayside, as a result of the Turkish side's intransigence and called on the EU to intensify efforts towards Turkey so that it changes its negative stance.

EU Commissioner Van den Broek reiterated that the timetable for Cyprus-EU accession talks will be kept, according to the decisions of recent European Councils.

He added that in view of these talks, intensive efforts must be made in 1997 so that progress is made in the Cyprus issue and negotiations between the two sides begin.

The EU Commissioner is coming to Cyprus today on a three-day official visit, for talks with both sides.

[02] EU - Cyprus Association Council: Prospect for membership offers opportunity for solution in 1997

The EC-Cyprus Association Council held its 18th meeting at ministerial level in Brussels on 25 February 1997. The meeting was chaired by Mr Michiel Patijn, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands and President-in-office of the Council of the European Union. The Cypriot delegation was led by Mr Alecos Michaelides, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus.

The Commission of the European Communities was represented by Mr Hans van den Broek, Member, and the European Investment Bank by Mr Panagiotis Gennimatas, Vice-President.

1. Both sides recalled that the Dublin European Council had confirmed the timetable for enlargement and reiterated the importance of concluding the IGC at the European Council in Amsterdam. The next few months will therefore be particularly significant for both the Union and Cyprus. The prospect for membership of the European Union offers and opportunity to find a solution to the Cyprus question in 1997. It would be vital to seize this opportunity.

2. Both parties noted that their relations in the context of the Association Agreement were developing in a satisfactory manner without any major problems. The development of trade between the EC and Cyprus remains very dynamic and the Union continues to be Cyprus' main trading partner, in terms of both imports and exports. The negotiations under way following the conclusion of the Uruguay Round in order to maintain the preferential conditions of access laid down in the 1987 Protocol, were reviewed. Both parties took note that they are finalized successfully and that the agreement is about to be formalized.

The two parties examined the progress made on the implementation of the 4th Financial Protocol which entered into force on 1 January 1996 and noted that the indicative programme setting out the specific objectives of financial and technical cooperation as well as the priority sectors and programmes, was signed on 25 September last year.

4. As far as the participation of Cyprus in the Community Youth Programmes, LEONARDO, SOCRATES and Youth for Europe III, the Commission has indicated that the relevant agreements will be initialled in the next few days and Cyprus expressed its satisfaction.

5. Both parties exchanged views on how to proceed to the second phase of the Customs Union by January 1998 as foreseen in Article 29 of the 1987 Protocol. For its part, Cyprus expressed its readiness to enter into negotiations with the Community for the transition to the second phase in conformity with its obligations under the Customs Union Protocol of 1987. The Commission was asked to make a detailed study of all aspects of this matter.

6. The future prospects for EC-Cyprus relations, in particular the challenges posed by the forthcoming enlargement, were discussed. The Union side gave details of the steps it has taken in terms of preparation. Cyprus presented an updated memorandum on progress made on the harmonization of legislation, including the setting up of 23 working groups within the Cypriot administration to monitor the harmonization effort.

7. Both sides emphasized the importance of pursuing further the Euro- Mediterranean partnership set in motion by the Barcelona Conference in 1995, and in particular the forthcoming Malta Conference on April 15-16, 1997. The Union and Cyprus would work closely together to ensure the success of that Conference.

[03] Changes in local government proposed

Interior Minister Dinos Michaelides said yesterday during a press conference that the aim of the bill being prepared by his department in cooperation with the Union of Village Authorities was to modernise, streamline and upgrade local government while also granting it more independence.

Michaelides said the proposal would bring local government into line with EU norms. He said the new councils would be expected to derive part of their income from taxes levied on the community - which they would have the right to set the level for.

"The village head would be chairman of the Community Council and would be responsible for seeing council decisions are executed", Michaelides said.

"The number of persons on the new councils would be proportional to the number of voters in the community concerned", he added. Under the new plan, neighbouring village communities would be given the option of merging under a single Community Council, if a majority of residents in both areas voted for it. The minister said the bill would be presented to the House for approval this year.

Michaelides said the government would continue to provide financial support for the town authorities, adding that this had amounted to four per cent of the stage budget for 1997.

Local Government in Cyprus today consists of 33 Municipalities, 83 Improvement Boards and 421 village commissions. Out of these, 9 Municipalities, 15 Improvement Boards and 135 villages are under turkish occupation.

Apart from upgrading and modernising local government, the Minister said, our aim remains to reintegrate our occupied towns and villages in a reunited Cyprus which in itself will become part of a United Europe.

[04] IN BRIEF

From the Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office (PIO) Server at http://www.pio.gov.cy/

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