Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 97-12-02

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

News Update

Tuesday, 02/12/97

CONTENTS

• [01] EU Commissioner van den Broek in Cyprus
• [02] Cyprus' offshore business sector brings in $300 million annually
• [03] Greek Premier's talks in Paris focus on EU-Turkish relations and Cyprus

[01] EU Commissioner van den Broek in Cyprus

According to a European Union press release, the main objective of this visti is to discuss with both leaders the upcoming start of Cyprus' EU accession negotiations and th resuming of the United Nations-led peace talks.

Mr van den Broek,speaking on arrival, expressed the wish for Turkish Cypriot participation in Cyprus' EU accession talks.

"It is very well known to the government here how much value our member states and also the European Commission attaches to trying to find ways and means to involve a representation of the Turkish Cypriot community in accession talks," he said.

The EU Commissioner noted the formula for Turkish Cypriot participation "will not be found tomorrow". He stressed, however, that "as long as the intentions are there to make progress, the political will can be modelised to make that a success".

Van den Broek pointed to the timing of his visit, in view of the upcoming summit of the EU heads of government in December during which "the enlargement of the EU and obviously also the accession process with Cyprus will be discussed."

The EU Commissioner was received later in the evening by President Glafcos Clerides. In statements after the meeting, Mr Van den Broek said that they had "a very friendly and constructive exchange of views." He added that he told the President that "we find this a very important period of time because there are upcoming elections in Cyprus, but moreover because also in the EU one is very much looking forward to the negotiations on membership".

Referring to the Cyprus problem, Mr van den Broek said that the EU wants to "be in contact with all the parties to work for the resumption of the political talks after the elections have been completed."

Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides, who was also present in the meeting, said they held a "very good and constructive discussion with Mr van den Broek on issues pertaining to the accession course, especially in view of the Luxembourg European Council."

On the issue of Turkish Cypriot participation in the accession negotiations, Mr Kasoulides said that at this moment nothing else can be decided upon. He added: "Our position remains that they are invited to participate in the Cyprus Republic's delegation, because nobody can doubt that the negotiations are taking place between the EU and recognised states, and secondly we ask from the Turkish Cypriot side to accept the principle of Cyprus' accession to the EU. "Once these issues are accepted, then we will just have to clarify the details", the Minister said.

Mr van den Broek is having this morning a meeting with Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash and will later address members of bicommunal groups at the Ledra Palace Hotel. He will also inaugurate the European Institute of Cyprus along with Foreign Minister Kasoulides.

The European Institute has been established with EU grants and its purpose will be to disseminate information on the EU to the Cypriot people and organise training courses and seminars to prepare Cyprus for its future EU membership.

This afternoon Mr van den Broek will be holding a bicommunal press conference before leaving the island.

[02] Cyprus' offshore business sector brings in $300 million annually

Finance Minister Christodoulos Christodoulou addressing a seminar organised by the Association of Chartered Accountants yesterday, said that offshore business, together with shipping and tourism, account for 72 per cent of gross domestic product.

He said Cyprus will endeavour to retain its offshore sector, possibly through securing special arrangements, when it enters accession negotiations with the European Union early next year, arguing that the EU too stands to benefit from the island's position as an offshore centre.

"After all, Europe itself will have a lot to benefit from using Cyprus as a starting block and a bridge to the Middle East", the Minister stressed.

Cataloguing the size and benefits of the sector, the minister said a total of 31,000 companies are registered in Cyprus on an offshore basis. Of these, 1,000 are fully staffed and employ 5,000 people, both Cypriots and foreigners, who make up two per cent of the economically active population.

[03] Greek Premier's talks in Paris focus on EU-Turkish relations and Cyprus

Mr Simitis was speaking at a press conference in Paris following talks with French President Jacques Chirac and Premier Lionel Jospin, which mainly focused on Turkey's participation in the French-proposed European Conference for countries wishing to join the European Union.

According to Athens News Agency, the Greek Premier pointed out that firstly, there was no unanimity among the "15" on the content of the Conference; secondly, that in the text of the "Agenda 2000" it was clearly stated that all countries had to accept in advance the jurisdiction of the International Court as it was not possible that any dispute could be brought into the EU; thirdly, that it was inconceivable for a third country to accept or not accept EU negotiations with another country; and finally, that Turkey, through official statements threatening partition or annexation of Cyprus, had made it clear that it did not accept the relevant UN resolutions referring to a single state in Cyprus.

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

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