Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 99-03-29

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

Monday, 29 March 1999

CONTENTS

• [01] EU candidate countries to submit their positions on all chapters by the end of 1999
• [02] UN Secretary General's report on Human Rights in Cyprus
• [03] Accreditation of Cyprus High Commissioner to Grenada

[01] EU candidate countries to submit their positions on all chapters by the end of 1999

This was stated in a joint communique issued on 27 March at the end of their two-day meeting in Limassol.

During their meetings in Cyprus, the six negotiators exchanged views on the progress of the screening and negotiation process and on some of the issues their respective countries will have to deal with on their way to accession, " the communique said.

The negotiators unanimously agreed to praise the "dynamism of the German presidency and the determination of all 15 member states to progress on the way to European integration."

Moreover they expressed their appreciation for the European Union's message of reassurance to the candidate countries and the statement that accession negotiations will continue in accordance with each country's own rhythm and as rapidly as possible.

The six candidate countries, agreed to have their next meeting in Tallinn (Estonia) at a date to be decided later.

[02] UN Secretary General's report on Human Rights in Cyprus

The UN Secretary General stresses that he has continuously pursued the aim of achieving a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem adding that all contacts with the leaders of the two communities have been devoted to that goal.

He refers to the separate meetings held with both Mr Clerides and Mr Denktash in an effort to facilitate the resumption of direct talks between them. Mr Clerides he says, reiterated his readiness to resume direct talks on the basis of the relevant Security Council resolutions whereas Mr Denktash expressed his view on the need to adopt a new approach based on the "acknowledgement of the existence of two fully functioning democratic states on the island"

The Secretary General referring to the report on his mission of Good Offices on 16 June 1998 which summarises his activities, expresses regret that they had not proved sufficient to lead to the resumption of direct talks. He also refers to the process of shuttle talks with both parties in order to reduce tension and promote progress towards a just and lasting settlement.

Pending a settlement, Mr Annan says that the United Nations Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) has continued, under its mandate, to discharge humanitarian functions on behalf of the Greek Cypriots living in the northern part of the island, and has continued its periodic visits to Turkish Cypriots living in the southern part of the island and assisted in arranging family reunion visits for Turkish Cypriots.

UNFICYP also continued its efforts to encourage contact and co-operation between the two communities and to building trust through actively promoting bicommunal events and activities. The Turkish Cypriot side however did not allow Turkish Cypriot participation and suspended all bicommunal activities.

The UN Secretary General notes in his report that UNFICYP continued to monitor closely the living conditions of Greek Cypriots and Maronites living in the northern part of the island and points out that travel within the northern part of Cyprus still remains restricted for Greek Cypriots as does access to sites of religious significance to them.

The Turkish Cypriot regime has imposed new regulations and fees on Greek Cypriots for entry to and exit of from the northern part of the island . Another major restriction is that Greek Cypriots residing in the north are not allowed to bequeath their property even to their next of kin unless their heirs live also in the northern part of the island.

[03] Accreditation of Cyprus High Commissioner to Grenada

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

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