Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 98-02-25

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

News Update

Wednesday, 25/02/98

CONTENTS

• [01] Kranidiotis: Cyprus' EU accession will benefit both Greek and Turkish Cypriots
• [02] Proposals for Turkish Cypriot participation in EU accession talks must comply with UN resolutions
• [03] Cypriot delegation in Brussels prepares ground for accession talks
• [04] Human Rights Commission completes hearing procedure
• [05] Liberals to merge with DISY

[01] Kranidiotis: Cyprus' EU accession will benefit both Greek and Turkish Cypriots

Mr Kranidiotis was making statements upon arrival at Larnaca airport and reaffirmed Greece's firm support in efforts for Cyprus' accession to the EU, as well as for a settlement of the Cyprus problem, based on UN resolutions and international law.

He pointed out that "Cyprus is entering a new crucial period" and stressed the need for hard work and called upon the international community "to turn its attention to the direction of Turkey, and use its influence to secure its cooperation in this effort".

Mr Kranidiotis emphasised that "the prospect of accession and solution will strengthen stability, peace and cooperation in Cyprus". It will also improve Greco-Turkish relations and it will assist Turkey's European prospects, he added.

He reiterated the position of the governments of Greece and Cyprus that "the Turkish Cypriots are welcomed in accession talks, provided the illegal entity in the Turkish-occupied part of the island is not recognised and they accept the goal of accession".

Mr Kranidiotis will be received this morning by President Clerides to discuss EU strategy and the latter's visit to Athens scheduled for March 10.

He will also have meetings with Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides and political party leaders.

[02] Proposals for Turkish Cypriot participation in EU accession talks must comply with UN resolutions

The final proposal for Turkish Cypriot participation in these talks will be submitted by the Cyprus government, the Spokesman added.

Mr Christofides was asked during his daily briefing to the press to comment on reports that British Prime Minister, Tony Blair, requested in a letter addressed to President Clerides for equal treatment of the two communities of Cyprus in EU talks.

In this letter, Blair congratulates President Clerides on his re-election and reaffirms British interest in a solution to the Cyprus problem and in promoting Cyprus' European course.

Moreover, in another statement yesterday, the Government Spokesman stressed that so far Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash, with his demands for recognition of the pseudostate, has served Turkey's interests in the most excellent manner, but not those of the Turkish Cypriots.

Mr Christofides reiterated that "a position in the European family, offered by Europe to Cyprus and its people, will secure well-being and happiness for all".

[03] Cypriot delegation in Brussels prepares ground for accession talks

The 15-member Cypriot delegation headed by Planning Bureau chief, Panicos Pouros, had a meeting yesterday which focused on the harmonisation of Cyprus' legislation with the acquis communautaire. The meeting was addressed by Mr Pouros and by the Head of the EU Unit, responsible for Turkey, Malta and Cyprus, Eric Van Der Linden.

Two working groups made up of EU officials and members of the Cypriot delegation, examined issues related to the internal market and agriculture.

Copyright, free movement of capital and goods, the environment and structural funds were among the issues discussed.

[04] Human Rights Commission completes hearing procedure

The delegation, headed by Commission President Stefan Trechsel, heard evidence behind closed doors about Turkey's violations of human rights in Cyprus in the framework of the Republic's 4th interstate case against Turkey.

On its fourth and last day of its stay in Cyprus the Commission visited the Karpass peninsula, where around 700 Greek Cypriot and Maronite enclaved live under conditions that the UN has repeatedly described in reports as appalling.

Upon departure yesterday, Commission President Stefan Trechsel expressed satisfaction with the cooperation of both Greek and Turkish Cypriots to the Commission's work.

The Commission will prepare a report on the case which will be referred to the European Court of Human Rights.

[05] Liberals to merge with DISY

The Liberal Party was established 12 years ago by Nicos Rolandis, a former Foreign Minister. The party was a member of the Liberals International while Rolandis served as vice president of this group.

Nicos Rolandis was one of the seven presidential candidates in the first round of elections on February 8, 1998 but he gained only 0.78 per cent of the vote. In the second round, on February 15, his party supported Glafcos Clerides, who was re-elected for a second five-year term.

The Liberal party leader said that after he carefully examined President Clerides' advice not to abandon the political scene and the President's invitation to the Liberals to participate in the government, "I decided that as a party we should leave the small and ineffective political scene".

DISY president Nicos Anastassiades has welcomed the move and proposed that a committee from each party be set up to process the details of the merger.

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

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