Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 98-12-18

Cyprus Press and Information Office: News Updates in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

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

Friday, 18 December 1998

CONTENTS

• [01] Cyprus to get financial and technical assistance from EU
• [02] Security concerns should be addressed
• [03] Cyprus promises aid to Palestine

[01] Cyprus to get financial and technical assistance from EU

A press release issued in Strasbourg yesterday at the end of the first JPC meeting since the start of accession negotiation between Cyprus and the EU, said that Cyprus is well prepared to adopt the 'acquis communautaire'.

However, it was stressed by all participants that Cyprus needs technical and expert assistance from the EU in the preparatory work and in its efforts to bring about a speedy and smooth harmonisation with the 'acquis'.

For many reasons, the press release says, Cyprus has not been included up until now amongst the recipients of technical and financial aid from the existing programmes and funds, and many of the participants stressed that Cyprus ought to receive such assistance from the EU.

The JPC reiterates its firm stand that Cyprus belongs rightfully to the first wave of states joining the European Union.

"The process of Cyprus joining the European Union should not in any way be linked to the efforts of finding a solution to the political problem", it concludes.

[02] Security concerns should be addressed

Government Spokesman Christos Stylianides yesterday expressed the hope the international community will take the security of the people of Cyprus into account when deciding on Cyprus.

He told his daily press briefing that if security concerns were addressed then the government would be prepared to take concrete decisions.

"The Cyprus government is ready to take concrete decisions on whatever the international community decides, if it addresses and seriously takes into account the insecurity the people of the island feel," the Spokesman said.

Mr Stylianides confirmed that "intense consultations" were taking place, but refrained from elaborating.

[03] Cyprus promises aid to Palestine

Cyprus' Minister of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment, Costas Themistocleous, made the pledge at a meeting yesterday with Palestinian Agriculture Minister, Hikmat Zaid, who is on a three-day private visit to Cyprus.

The Cypriot minister said his ministry was ready to provide any assistance to the corresponding Palestinian ministry, at the first steps of establishing a Palestinian state.

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

Cyprus Press and Information Office: News Updates in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article