Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 98-11-06

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

News Update

Friday, 06/11/98

CONTENTS

• [01] Cyprus works for the successful outcome of UN efforts
• [02] Kassoulides "Cyprus EU accession will shore up security and stability"
• [03] Van den Broek calls on Denktash to accept participation in EU talks
• [04] Britain to use its Guarantor status for a political settlement in Cyprus

[01] Cyprus works for the successful outcome of UN efforts

Speaking to the press after their meeting, Mr. Kassoulides said that they discussed the latest UN initiative undertaken by the Secretary General's Representative Dame Ann Hercus. Mr. Kassoulides said that the Cyprus government firmly supports Dame Ann's efforts on Cyprus and intends to work constructively in order to make them succeed.

He added that the issue of the reduction of tension on the island and the country's EU course were also discussed at the meeting. Replying to a question regarding the British position to Cyprus' accession course, Mr. Kassoulides reminded that Britain has repeatedly stated that the Cyprus problem should not be linked with the country's accession course. However, he added, although both Britain and Cyprus wish that a solution to the Cyprus problem precedes the country's accession there should be no linkage between them.

The British Minister of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, Ms. Joyce Quin, the Austrian Presidency's Envoy for Cyprus, Sir David Hannay as well as High Commissioner of Cyprus in the UK, Michalis Attalides and other officials were also present at the meeting.

[02] Kassoulides "Cyprus EU accession will shore up security and stability"

Speaking last night at the Royal Institute of International Affairs in London, Mr. Kassoulides stressed that it is the accession of Cyprus to the EU and the solution of the Cyprus problem that will shore up security and stability in the Eastern Mediterranean. Mr. Kassoulides added that the Cyprus government agrees with the Turkish Cypriots' desire for a political solution before accession, stressing that this is what our efforts are aimed at.

"The challenge before us", he said, "is to start talking and proceeding in a spirit of constructive co-operation. That is why we propose to engage the two communities of Cyprus in two parallel processes, respectively aiming at a lasting solution of the political problem under UN auspices and the full involvement and positive contribution of the Turkish Cypriot community in the accession negotiations process", he concluded.

[03] Van den Broek calls on Denktash to accept participation in EU talks

Mr. Van den Broek, who was speaking at a press conference after the adoption of the European Commission's regular progress report for candidate countries, also stressed that the Cyprus' accession course and the efforts for a solution to the Cyprus problem should reinforce each other.

Moreover Mr. Van den Broek pointed out that "our aim is clear-cut and that the Commission acknowledges no veto rights to third parties regarding Cyprus' accession.

[04] Britain to use its Guarantor status for a political settlement in Cyprus

Replying to questions on Cyprus and the case of Ms Loizidou v Turkey, tabled in the House of Commons, Ms. Quin said that the "UK along with other members of the Council of Europe's Committee of Ministers, has invited Turkey to inform the Committee of the measures it proposes to take in consequence of the judgement".

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

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