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Sunday, 22 December 2024
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Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 97-12-18Cyprus Press and Information Office: News Updates in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office Server at <http://www.pio.gov.cy/>News UpdateThursday, 18/12/97CONTENTS
[01] Government pleased with international reaction to Turkish threatsThe Government Spokesman has welcomed statements by world leaders both in the US and Europe concerning Turkey's renewed threats of annexation of the occupied northern part of Cyprus following the European Union's Luxembourg summit decision not to include Turkey among candidate states ready to begin accession talks. Government Spokesman Manolis Christofides said on 17.12.97. "Turkey has chosen the strategy of threats and a number of statements were made to that effect. Immediately, there has been a barrage of statements by Prime Ministers and Foreign Ministers of almost every European country, and the United States.They all criticize Turkey for her reactions and warn that if such threats were carried out, it would have very negative effects on its European prospects and it would jeopardise its position among civilised nations. We express our satisfaction because within 24 hours there has been a strong reaction from the international community to the unacceptable statements of Turkish leaders which are contrary to all sense of legality and international order". [02] European Union leaders tell EU Parliament their position on Turkey was fair and clearDuring Wednesday's (17.12.97) plenary meeting of the European Parliament about the outcome of the Luxembourg EU summit, the President of the EU Council Jacques Poos said that he regrets the negative reception the Turkish government and mass media gave to the Union's position.He said they have offered Turkey a sincere, credible and substantial package and in return the EU is asking of Turkey only what it requires from other candidates and partners: to adhere to a set of European principles: "The European Union is a community of values and shared objectives. It is up to Turkey to show that it shares these ideas" Mr Poos said. The President of the European Commission Jacques Santer in his speech also referred to the question of Turkey and said the Union has adopted, for the first time, a clear, unitary position towards that country, a position which, he said, was perfectly coherent and equitable. [03] Kasoulides at meeting of OSCECyprus Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides left on Wednesday (17.12.97) for Copenhagen to attend the ministerial meeting of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe. During his stay there a number of meetings with Foreign Ministers of Central and Eastern Europe, Egypt and Poland have been arranged.[04] Cyprus and Malta sign Cultural AgreementCyprus and Malta have signed an Agreement for co-operation and exchanges in the fields of science, education, culture and sports. The agreement, signed on 10.12.97 covers a 3-year period and it provides for co-operation between Cyprus and Malta Universities, teachers exchanges, exchanges for artists, the theatre and music, scholarship programme and co-operation between the two states' national radio and tv stations.[05] Cyprus to sign European Charter on Local GovernmentThe Council of Ministers decided on Wednesday (17.12.97) that Cyprus is ready to sign the European Charter for Local Government. The government had ratified the Charter in 1985 but fell short of signing because of clauses contradictory with Cypriot law.The local law has now been amended to comply with the European provision which stipulates that changes in the physical boundaries of local authorities cannot be made before consulting with the interested local authorities. [06] Foreign trade statistics for the period January - July 1997The Department of Statistics and Research has published foreign trade statistics for the first seven months of 1997 as compared with the corresponding period of 1996.Total imports (covering imports for home consumption and imports placed into bonded warehouses) valued at L1.113,8 million Cyprus pounds as compared with L1.109,3 million during January - July 1996. Total exports decreased by 6,1% to L368,7 million in relation to L392,6 million last year. Imports for home consumption were L886,5 million in January-July 1997 and L868,3 million in the same period of 1996. The EU countries supplied goods valued at L522,3 million or 46,9% of the total imports as compared with L536,2 million or 48,3% during January-July 1996. The EU countries absorbed L64,8 million or 51,2% of Cyprus domestic exports (excluding shipstores), followed by the Arab countries with L34,2 million or 27,1%. From the Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office (PIO) Server at http://www.pio.gov.cy/Cyprus Press and Information Office: News Updates in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |
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