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Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 98-01-07
From: The Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office Server at <http://www.pio.gov.cy/>
News Update
Wednesday, 07/01/98
CONTENTS
- [01] Britain in strong position to help Cyprus
- [02] Foreign Minister to visit Athens and Lisbon
- [03] German parliamentarian on the island
[01] Britain in strong position to help Cyprus
Britain, 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 Lisbon
Cyprus 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 island
The 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/
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