Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 97-12-08

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

News Update

Monday, 08/12/97

CONTENTS

• [01] President Clerides at Business Seminar in London
• [02] Robin Cook makes important clarification on British position towards Cyprus and the EU
• [03] EU briefed by Cyprus Ministers on progress towards harmonisation
• [04] "Cyprus must belong very soon to the EU", British Euro MP says

[01] President Clerides at Business Seminar in London

The seminar was attended by more than 200 mostly British businessmen, bankers and political figures.

It was organised by the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KEVE), the Central Bank of Cyprus and the Confederation of British Industries (CBI).

Participating in the seminar were Cyprus' Commerce, Industry and Tourism Minister Michalakis Michaelides, Central Bank governor Afxentis Afxentiou and KEVE President Vasilis Rologis.

In his speech President Clerides said that: "During the last two decades, Cyprus has developed into an international centre of transit trade, tourism, offshore and maritime activities as well as banking and business services".

Highlighting Cyprus's advantages, he referred to its geographic location, the conditions of macroeconomic stability and social cohesion, the low crime rate, the high educational level of its manpower and the modern infrastructure in transport and telecommunications.

President Clerides cited the "Economist" placing Cyprus third in the Mediterranean region in terms of per capita income level, noting that it also enjoys full employment conditions and a strong balance of payments position.

The president returned to Cyprus on Saturday (6.12.97), completing a visit to London and Salonika where he addressed the World Hellenes Abroad (SAE) Council Conference.

[02] Robin Cook makes important clarification on British position towards Cyprus and the EU

Mr Cook was answering a question during a debate in the House of Commons on Thursday (4.12.97) on European Union issues.

The full text of his reply to the question regarding Cyprus put by Conservative MP Nigel Evans is as follows:

Mr Nigel Evans (Ribble Valley): The Foreign Secretary said that the European Union had to be inclusive. Will he say a few works about Cyprus, which is divided? I understand that may not be a barrier to Cyprus entering the EU. If that is the case, what will be done to ensure that the population of the northern part of Cyprus will be consulted about joining the EU?

Mr Cook: "I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for raising an important part of the enlargement debate. The Government strongly support the right of the Government of Cyprus to apply for membership. We recognise that Cyprus has done a large amount over the past three years to prepare itself for membership. Were it not for the division of the island. Cyprus would be a foremost candidate for membership. It would be immensely helpful to the debate if that division could be resolved within the context of the enlargement talks.

Enlargement may provide a catalyst to bring about the solution to the division of the island. Those who live in the northern occupied sector would benefit more than anybody else in Cyprus from membership of the EU, because their income is a quarter the level in the Greek Cypriot sector. However, if it is not possible to resolve the issue of the division of the island, it is the position of this Government that it would be unfair to the majority of the people of Cyprus if its Government were to be excluded because of the continuing division. I regret that the Turkish authorities in the northern sector have refused the recent approaches by Commissioner van den Broek to include them in the negotiating team from Cyprus. It would have been good both for the division of the island and the negotiation if they had taken up the offer".

[03] EU briefed by Cyprus Ministers on progress towards harmonisation

The two Ministers briefed their EU counterparts and the European Commission on measures adopted by the Cyprus government in an effort to harmonise its legislation with the acquis communautaire.

Mr Koshis made special reference to money laundering and the measures adopted by the government for its prevention and combating.

He also referred to the international conventions ratified, and reaffirmed that Cyprus is ready to adopt additional measures the EU or the international community might consider necessary.

[04] "Cyprus must belong very soon to the EU", British Euro MP says

"Yesterday in Brussels we voted to encourage this process in a fairly flexible way, but there is a very strong feeling that Cyprus must belong very soon to the EU. It is ready to do so economically and politically", the Euro MP added.

Noting that "there are difficulties to be resolved", he said "we look forward to play our part in seeking a solution which would accommodate both the traditions of Cyprus, but in a democratic framework which is accepted by all".

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

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