Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 98-11-05

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

News Update

Thursday, 05/11/98

CONTENTS

• [01] Government expresses satisfaction at European Commission's regular report
• [02] Progress towards accession and towards solution reinforce each other
• [03] Foreign Trade statistics for January-August 1998
• [04] US supports Hercus' efforts on Cyprus

[01] Government expresses satisfaction at European Commission's regular report

At the same time, he added, the Government considers that the decision to promote Cyprus' accession is probably the most important political development for Cyprus at the threshold of the 21st century.

[02] Progress towards accession and towards solution reinforce each other

In a EU Commission regular report, adopted yesterday in Brussels, relating to progress of candidate countries, the Commission notes that " Cyprus has made significant progress in adopting the acquis communautaire and it should not face major problems in adopting it. In general terms, the administration seems to be prepared to ensure the correct implementation of the acquis".

Confirming the 1993 opinion concerning the economic disparities of the two parts of the island, it emphasises that "the economic disparity between the northern and the southern part of the island has further increased since 1993" noting that "nevertheless the integration of the northern part of Cyprus should not raise major economic difficulties".

Moreover the Commission indicates that "because of the political situation in Cyprus, the screening exercise does not cover the island as a whole and that the invitation of the Cyprus government to include representatives of the Turkish Cypriot community in the negotiations has not been accepted."

With regard to Turkey the report mentions the European Union's will to develop its assistance for the economic reform of the country and for the adoption of the acquis communautaire, but stresses that "it is the sole responsibility of Turkey to improve the situation with regard to the pressing need to reinforce democracy and to protect human and minority rights".

[03] Foreign Trade statistics for January-August 1998

In a more detailed form, the total imports valued a L1.243,6 mn as compared with L1.251,2 mn of the previous year.

Total exports reached L404,6 mn compared to L 427,5 mn in January-August 1997. As a result of the above developments the trade deficit totalled L839 mn whereas in 1997 it attained L823,7 mn.

Supplies from EU countries represent 52,9 per cent of the total imports whereas last year they accounted for 46,6 per cent of the country's total imports.

Exports to EU countries represent 57,2 per cent of Cyprus domestic exports followed by the Arab countries with a share of 23,7 per cent. The corresponding shares for the EU countries and the Arab countries for January-August 1997 were 50,4 per cent and 27,3 per cent respectively.

[04] US supports Hercus' efforts on Cyprus

"We have strongly encouraged both sides to work co-operatively with her to make progress", he concluded.

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

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