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

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

News Update

Wednesday, 11/11/98

CONTENTS

• [01] Concrete phase of Cyprus - EU accession negotiations gets underway
• [02] Cyprus and France sign agreement on road transport

[01] Concrete phase of Cyprus - EU accession negotiations gets underway

The President of the Council of the EU, Austrian Foreign Minister, Wolfgang Schussel, said "it represents a historical moment when the accession train is picking up speed".

He also expressed hope that "as a result of these negotiations, the political negotiations will receive a new impulse".

Speaking at the conference, Cyprus' Foreign Minister, Ioannis Kasoulides said this was an important day for Cyprus and stressed that "Cyprus believes strongly that her accession to the EU will strengthen the internal coherence of the Union".

He said "sending the message that the Cyprus problem, if unresolved through no fault of our own, excludes Cyprus from joining the Union, is a certain way to deepen and perpetuate the existing cracks in the common foreign and security policy towards our sensitive area".

The Cypriot Minister said "we will work honestly with the UN in order to achieve a political solution of the Cyprus problem based on the relevant UN resolutions in the formation of a bizonal and bicommunal federation, if possible, which is also our wish, well before the next enlargement of the EU".

Mr Kasoulides reiterated that it is the Cyprus government's desire to see the Turkish Cypriots participate in the island's EU negotiations and regretted the fact there has been no positive response. "The invitation is still open," he said and hoped that "the political circumstances will allow them to take it".

"We will not cease to try and promote contacts between the societies as well as the citizens of both communities", he said and expressed hope that Turkish Cypriot leader, Rauf Denktash, "will reciprocate to this effort, despite the difficulties he is showing at the moment".

Speaking at a joint press conference with Mr Kasoulides, and EU External Relations Commissioner, Hans Van den Broek, Mr Schussel said that they had studied seven important chapters and that in the case of Cyprus "we had a very good atmosphere, we developed a very harmonious cooperation".

EU Commissioner Hans van den Broek also regretted the Turkish Cypriot side had not taken up the invitation, but he welcomed the progress achieved by Cyprus so far towards accession.

He said the Commission very much appreciates "the professional and cooperative approach from the Cypriot delegation" and said he looks forward to "seeing the negotiations extended, the delegation extended and include the Turkish Cypriot community".

"We are all decided and so much convinced that it will be to the ultimate benefit of the island as a whole, an in particular to the Turkish Cypriot community to participate in this historical enterprise", he added.

[02] Cyprus and France sign agreement on road transport

The agreement provides for the exchange of licences for the transportation of cargo between the two countries and between Cyprus or France and third countries.

Under the same agreement, Cypriot vehicles will be granted licenses to traverse France while other issues such as the avoidance of certain road taxes by Cypriot transport companies are also dealt with.

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

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