Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 99-04-26

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

Monday, 26 April 1999

CONTENTS

• [01] Cyprus and the Czech Republic can offer mutual assistance in their EU course
• [02] Cyprus hosts Symposium on EU candidate countries media
• [03] Cyprus to honour 50th anniversary of the Council of Europe
• [04] Cyprus - Greece sign Agricultural Cooperation Programme

[01] Cyprus and the Czech Republic can offer mutual assistance in their EU course

Speaking after a meeting with Cyprus President Mr Glafcos Clerides, Mr Lansky said he truly hopes that one day the division of the island will end adding that his country "has always supported an undivided Republic of Cyprus".

Mr Lansky also said that Cyprus and the Czech Republic can support each other on their way to EU accession by sharing the experience and the work that has been completed on several chapters.

Concerning the harmonisation process, Mr Lansky added that Cyprus is in a better position than the Czech Republic because its legislation is based on British law which is fully compatible with EU legislation.

Later in the day the Czech official held talks with Foreign Minister Mr Ioannis Kasoulides at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

In a joint press conference given at the conclusion of the talks, Mr Lansky stressed that the talks covered a number of topics of mutual interest like the two countries' common effort to join the EU, as well as issues of major concern to the world, like the tragic situation in the Balkans and the Yugoslav crisis.

Mr Lansky noted that his country and Cyprus share very close views on the issue of Yugoslavia pointing out that both countries have "close historical ties with the Balkans".

[02] Cyprus hosts Symposium on EU candidate countries media

The Symposium, which was organised at the initiative of the Union of Cyprus Journalists, focused on ways to overcome the problems which will arise for the media from EU accession.

Opening the Symposium, Cyprus Foreign Minister Ioannis Kassoulides referred to globalisation and stressed the role of the media in each country's EU course.

He added that the media must inform citizens on the EU policies and institutions, stressing that "informing public opinion is the link between each state's policy and the society".

The Symposium was attended by the Head of the EU delegation in Cyprus, Mr Donato Chiarini, Cyprus Chief Negotiator, Mr George Vassiliou, the Secretary - General of the International Federation of Journalists, Mr Aidan White, the President of the Union of Cyprus Journalists Mr Andreas Kannaouros and other officials.

[03] Cyprus to honour 50th anniversary of the Council of Europe

Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides announced last Friday that a special committee comprising government representatives, members of the Parliament, the Courts, the Attorney General's Office and local administration representatives has planned a series of events to mark the 50 years of the Council of Europe.

Cyprus has been a member of the CoE since 1961 and actively participates in all its institutional bodies.

[04] Cyprus - Greece sign Agricultural Cooperation Programme

In his introductory speech before the signing of the programme, Mr Themistocleous noted that the need for the harmonization of Cyprus' agricultural policy with the acquis communautaire has become imperative during the last years and in this light the cooperation framework existing between the two countries provides valuable assistance and support to the Government of Cyprus.

On his part, Mr Anomeritis said that he will examine with his Cypriot counterpart ways for a more rapid adaptation of matters relating to Agriculture with Community Law and that Greece will eagerly provide its expertise to Cyprus in order to help the Cyprus government avoid any problems in its accession course

Cyprus and Greece also signed a relevant programme of activities in order to implement the Cooperation agreement.

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

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