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Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 99-05-19Cyprus Press and Information Office: News Updates in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office Server at <http://www.pio.gov.cy/>Wednesday, 19 May 1999CONTENTS
[01] Third round of substantive accession talks to be completed todayCyprus will conclude today in Brussels the third round of accession talks with the EU in areas concerning Health and Consumer´s Protection, External Relations and the Customs Union. The conclusion of the Chapter on the Customs Union is considered particularly important, in view of the reservations Britain, France and the Netherlands had previously lifted.Cyprus Foreign Minister Ioannis Kassoulides and his Greek counterpart George Papandreou expressed last Monday their satisfaction at the adoption of the draft text by the General Affairs Council concerning the conclusion of negotiations on the above three chapters. [02] Greece cites successful EU-Cyprus accession talksGreece expressed last Monday confidence over the successful conclusion of Cyprus´ harmonisation process with the acquis comunautaire in sectors concerning the customs union and foreign relations.In a joint press conference, given within the framework of the General Affairs Council held in Brussels, Greece´s Foreign Minister and Alternate Foreign Minister, Messrs George Papandreou and Yiannos Kranidiotis, expressed the belief that Cyprus-EU accession talks in the above sectors will be successfully completed, since France has lifted its previous reservations on the matter. Mr Kranidiotis said that "this is an important development for Cyprus". [03] Christodoulou: harmonisation with the EU constitutes our primary strategic goalMinister of Interior Christodoulos Christodoulou stated yesterday that Cyprus´ harmonisation with EU legislation is our primary strategic goal.Addressing a seminar on «Local Authorities in view of EU enlargement», held in Nicosia yesterday, Mr Christodoulou referred to the commencement of substantive accession negotiations with the EU, noting that their course has so far been very satisfactory. "Cyprus´ EU accession course entails meeting successfully a number of important challenges", he said, adding that the government promotes the "upgrading of local authorities", so that they can deal with local matters quickly and efficiently. [04] Foreign diplomats present credentialsThe President of the Republic Mr. Glafcos Clerides received yesterday at a formal ceremony at the Presidential Palace the credentials of the new Ambassadors of Estonia and Lebanon to Cyprus.Addressing Estonia´s first Ambassador to Cyprus Mr Jaak Joeruut, President Clerides stressed that «even though the Cyprus government has always been and continues to be firmly committed to a just, viable and lasting solution of the Cyprus problem by peaceful means, all initiatives have, so far, failed to crack Turkey´s intransigent position».He pointed out, however, that "despite this deadlock, we remain committed to realising the vision of a united and peaceful Cyprus, member of the EU". Receiving the letters of credence of Lebanon´s new Ambassador to Cyprus Ms Samira Hanna El-Daher, President Clerides referred to the tight historic links between Cyprus and Lebanon, adding that the two countries are determined to forge an even stronger relationship in the future. President Clerides pointed out that «despite timeless efforts on the part of the international community and despite our own political will to solve the Cyprus problem, there is no sign of any progress made towards a solution, because Turkey is still lacking the necessary political will". [05] Cyprus to sign 5th EU framework programmeA co-operation protocol between Cyprus and the EU will be signed by Cyprus Finance Minister Mr Takis Clerides, the Council of Ministers´ President Ms Elelgard Bulmahn and EU Commissioner Edith Cresson tomorrow in Brussels.The protocol allows the participation of Cyprus in the 5th EU framework programme for Research, Technological Development and Demonstration (1998 - 2002). The programme reflects the European Union´s policy in the areas of Research and Technology aiming at the upgrading of the competitive character of European economy as well as to the quality of life of European citizens. It comprises programmes of implementation of research activities of the EU for technological development in the areas of Information Society, Environment, Health, Energy, promoting competitive and sustainable development and upgrading of the quality of life. The additional protocol to the Cyprus-EU Association Agreement will provide the opportunity to Cypriot researchers and research institutes to participate in the relevant programmes that are subsidised from the programme´s budget. [06] Internationally acclaimed Greek composer honoured in CyprusMikis Theodorakis, the internationally acclaimed Greek composer, writer and politician received last Monday at the Presidential Palace, a special award for his support and solidarity with the Cyprus people in their struggle for justice and freedom.Paying tribute to the universality of the composer´s work which has its origins in the great Greek tradition, President Clerides stressed the artist´s long-standing support to the cause of Cyprus. "Cyprus was a source of inspiration to Theodorakis and we would like to express our gratitude and appreciation", President Clerides said. Receiving the medal, Mr. Theodorakis pointed to the need for national unity and co-operation before the unpredictable consequences that the Yugoslav crisis entails. He added that he will continue to devote his life and work to achieve this goal. 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 |
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