Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 98-11-30

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

Monday, 30 November 1998

CONTENTS

• [01] President Clerides concludes Athens visit
• [02] Greek and Cyprus governments committed to a peaceful settlement of the Cyprus problem
• [03] Cyprus signs contract for control of industrial pollution
• [04] Cyprus and Cuba sign air transport agreement

[01] President Clerides concludes Athens visit

On Friday Mr Clerides had a meeting in Athens with the Prime Minister of Greece Mr Costas Simitis which was attended by the Foreign and Defence Ministers of the two countries.

Later in the day the Cyprus President met with the President of the New Democracy party Mr Costas Karamanlis with whom he discussed the recent developments of the Cyprus problem, Cyprus's European Union accession course and defence matters.

On Saturday, he flew to Patra, at the invitation of the Patra University where he spoke on the Cyprus problem and unveiled monuments of Greeks who lost their lives during the 1974 Turkish invasion of Cyprus.

[02] Greek and Cyprus governments committed to a peaceful settlement of the Cyprus problem

Speaking after the meeting, the Greek Premier stressed that both governments are committed to the search for a solution to the Cyprus problem based on United Nations resolutions.

The Greek Prime Minister welcomed the beginning of substantive negotiations between Cyprus and the European Union as a positive move, while acknowledging at the same time that there are some problems. Both Greece and Cyprus however have strong arguments in favour of Cyprus' European Union accession, which can overcome any reservations, he said.

He stressed that Greece will continue its efforts for Cyprus's accession to the European Union taking all the necessary measures needed for achieving this goal.

On defence matters Mr Simitis stated that the Greek government is committed to the joint defence doctrine with Cyprus and indicated that any defensive measures taken, solely aim at Cyprus' defence.

"We do not buy arms for the sake of arms but we want to promote a settlement through peaceful and democratic means on the basis of UN decisions," he stated.

Neither Greece nor Cyprus have any interest in creating tension unlike Turkey he said. adding that "Cyprus is working systematically to achieve a reduction in tension and everybody else must respond to this desire and this effort. This is our message," he added.

On his part President Clerides endorsed all of Simitis' views and added "our effort has always been and is the peaceful resolution of the Cyprus question."

[03] Cyprus signs contract for control of industrial pollution

The project, is a joint proposal of the Ministry of Labour and Social Insurance and the National Technical University of Athens and will be funded by the European Union with 411.307 ECU, which represents 72 per cent of the total cost.

The main aim of the project is to control industrial pollution and chemical substances and to assist in streamlining Cyprus' environmental legislation and policies with those of the European Union.

The project is one of 11 proposals submitted by Cyprus within the framework of the EU's Environmental programme LIFE for 1998.

[04] Cyprus and Cuba sign air transport agreement

The agreement was signed last Friday in Nicosia by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Communications and Works, Vassos Pirgos and the First Deputy President of the Cuban Civil Aviation Authority Heriberto Prieto.

Under the agreement, air companies appointed by either country will be authorised to introduce flights connecting Cyprus and Cuba with full rights on the transport of passengers, cargo and post.

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

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