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Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 98-01-07Cyprus 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 UpdateWednesday, 07/01/98CONTENTS[01] Britain in strong position to help CyprusBritain, which is presiding over the EU this term, is in a stronger position than others to play an important role in Cyprus' accession to the EU and would use its good offices to try to achieve a settlement between Greek and Turkish Cypriots in Cyprus, British Prime Minister, Tony Blair, said in an interview in the Financial Times.He said, moreover, that a settlement of the Cyprus problem is no precondition for the island's accession to the European Union, even though it would make things easier. Commenting on Turkey's European prospects, Mr Blair said he was "still hopeful of getting Turkey involved in the European Conference", despite, as he pointed out, "its disappointing response so far". "It is very important that Turkey understands there are no different criteria being applied to Turkey than would be applied to any other country", he said. Asked whether Turkey would ever join the EU, Mr Blair said "obviously that is some way away, but we have got to start the process". [02] Foreign Minister to visit Athens and LisbonCyprus Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides will leave Cyprus on Friday, (January 9) to visit Athens and Lisbon for meetings with his Greek and Portuguese counterparts.The talks are expected to concentrate on issues relating to Cyprus' bid to become a full member of the European Union. [03] German parliamentarian on the islandThe President of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the German Bundestag, Prof Dr Karl-Heinz Hornhues, is paying a two day visit to the island as from today as guest of the Cyprus House of Representatives.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 |