Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 98-05-08

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

News Update

Friday 08/05/98

CONTENTS

• [01] Simitis: Cyprus-EU course started and will continue
• [02] Cyprus has always been European says new French Ambassador
• [03] New Argentinean Ambassador presents credentials
• [04] Social Rights discussed in Cyprus

[01] Simitis: Cyprus-EU course started and will continue

The Greek Prime Minister referred to the decisions taken in Luxembourg in December 1997, and pointed out that despite Turkey's objections, Cyprus accession talks began in March 1998 as expected and "will continue".

[02] Cyprus has always been European says new French Ambassador

Presenting his credentials, the new French Ambassador pointed out that Cyprus has always been a European country and reasurred that he will endeavour to consolidate further the excellent bilateral relations that exist between the two countries.

Referring to the Cyprus problem, De Vaivre said that "no viable solution can be reached without realising that the two communities of the island have a common destiny". He drew a parallel between European unification and efforts to unify Cyprus.

"A parallel can evidently be drawn between the European Union and the situation in Cyprus. The objective of the unification of Europe is an objective which can very well be compared to that which you Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots, have been pursuing for nearly forty years", he said.

The new French Ambassador stressed that Cyprus will be welcome in the European Union by its attachment to the principles regarding the respect of the rule of law and of good neighbourliness with other countries.

"When Cyprus will have fulfilled her obligations as a candidate member, we will be delighted to see the island among us. It will then be enriching for the European Union to count one more member so rich in contrasts".

In reply, President Clerides noted that the two countries are linked by bonds of friendship deeply rooted in history and pledged to work hard for the enhancement of bilateral relations in all fields as well as cooperation particularly in the EU.

He pointed out that the Cyprus problem remains unresolved because the Turkish side remains rigid and intransigent and expressed his commitment to work towards the peaceful reunification of his country.

In conclusion he expressed the hope that the Cyprus-EU accession process will act as a "real catalyst" towards finding a just, viable and workable solution to the Cyprus problem.

[03] New Argentinean Ambassador presents credentials

Presenting his credentials, the new Argentinean Ambassador pointed out that the physical distance that separates the two countries has been no hindrance for the development of their relations.

Mr Gil pointed out that Cyprus and Argentina have common interests "beginning with the certainty of the importance of keeping a fair and peaceful international order" and added that the people of Argentina are proud to participate with a military contingent in the UN-Peace-keeping force in Cyprus.

"This is a mission that fill us, the people of Argentina, with pride and permits us to create valuable human ties with the people of Cyprus and their millennial culture", he said.

Replying, President Clerides referred to the long standing friendship and cooperation between Cyprus and Argentina, based on their common adherence "to the purposes and principles of the UN as well as to international law in general". He expressed gratitude on behalf of the Cypriot people for Argentina's "long and active involvement in the efforts to solve the problem of Cyprus".

[04] Social Rights discussed in Cyprus

Addressing a three day meeting of the Social Health and Family Affairs Committee of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, Mr Moushiouttas underlined that "the philosophy of the government of Cyprus has always been that good social and labour standards are an important factor of economic development", adding that Cyprus takes seriously into account the recommendations, resolutions and opinions of the Parliamentary Assembly.

The minister said that in the field of Social Protection "Cyprus compares very well with other European States".

About 42 MPs from 39 out of 40 CoE member-states are participating in the meeting, that will deal with issues such as the monitoring of commitments as regards social rights.

Acting chairperson of the meeting, Lara Margaret Ragnarsdottir, said they are now campaigning for the ratification of the Social Charter by all CoE member-states in the next couple of years, because "fifty per cent of the countries have not ratified it".

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

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