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Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 99-07-02Cyprus 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/>Friday, 2 July 1999CONTENTS
[01] Government awaits developments on missing persons issueThe Cyprus government is awaiting the developments on the omission of the missing persons question in the UN Security Council resolution approved this week.Government Spokesman Costas Serezis, invited to comment on yesterday's meeting between Foreign Minister Mr. Ioannis Kasoulides and UN Resident Representative Dame Ann Hercus, said that Mrs Hercus was summoned to the Ministry to give "some explanations". He said that Mrs Hercus categorically denied that she had asked the Security Council not to make reference on the missing persons issue. "Mr Kasoulides has no reason not to believe her, just as he has no reason not to believe the French Ambassador, who presided over the Security Council and who informed Cyprus' Permanent Representative to the UN that the move was indeed made on the part of Mrs Hercus", the spokesman added. The government he said, "is awaiting the development of the issue and clarifications as to why the relevant paragraph was not included". [02] Portugal to promote Cyprus' accession course during its PresidencyThe Portuguese State Secretary for European Affairs Mr Francisco Seixas da Costa said yesterday his country would do its best to promote Cyprus' accession to the European Union.Speaking at a press conference, given after talks with Cyprus Foreign Minister Mr Ioannis Kassoulides, Mr Da Costa said that during the Portuguese Presidency starting in January 2000, his country "will try to speed up the process of negotiations with candidate countries". He added that Portugal is in a position to provide Cyprus with all necessary information and assistance in its European course. Moreover he expressed the belief that Cyprus will be one of the first new EU member states. On his part, Mr Kasoulides said Mr Da Costa's visit to the island, only a few months after the Portuguese Foreign Minister's visit, "demonstrates the keen interest of Portugal in Cyprus". [03] Cyprus government more positive to a resumption of talks says Rantzau"President Clerides will consider an invitation from the UN Secretary - General for talks on the Cyprus issue very positively", German envoy for Cyprus Mr Detlev Graf Zu Rantzau stated yesterday.Speaking to the press after talks with President Clerides, Mr Rantzau said that neither side finalised its reaction to the UN resolutions on Cyprus and on the G-8 statement , "because the invitation from the Secretary General is not yet on the table". He also hinted that there might be a change of heart on talks on the part of the Turkish Cypriot side. [04] Cyprus and Greece sign Customs AgreementA Customs Agreement aiming at forming the legal framework for the co- operation of the customs departments between the Republic of Cyprus and Greece was signed yesterday.The agreement was signed by Cyprus' Finance Minister Takis Klerides and Greek Deputy Finance Minister George Dris, who arrived here yesterday for a three-day visit. Speaking to the press, Mr. Klerides said the agreement will provide a clear legal framework for the implementation of co-operation between the customs departments of the two countries in their fight against illegal activities such as tax evasion and smuggling. The agreement will facilitate the movement of passengers and goods between the two countries, he added. Under the agreement, Greece will assist Cyprus in its process to harmonise with the acquis communautaire, Klerides said, adding it also includes co- operation in customs training. On his part, Mr Dris said the agreement "will strengthen economic relations between the two countries" and stressed Greece's willingness to support Cyprus in its European Union (EU) course. Earlier in the day, the Greek Deputy Minister was received by Cyprus President Mr. Glafcos Clerides. Mr. Dris described the meeting as "very constructive", adding that he briefed the President on the economic and trade relations between the two countries. [05] Russia sees new perspectives in breaking Cyprus deadlockIn a statement issued yesterday relating to Security Council Resolutions 1250 and 1251 on Cyprus, the Russian Foreign Ministry expressed the hope that the new opportunity for a resumption of intercommunal talks in Cyprus will not be lost."We consider it important that the resolutions adopted reconfirm the basic principles for a Cyprus settlement, which envisage the respect of the independence and territorial integrity of Cyprus, the establishment on the island of a bi-zonal bi-communal federation with a single sovereignty and an international personality", the statement says. Moreover it notes that the two UN Security Council Resolutions together with the recent G-8 initiative on Cyprus "open up new possibilities for overcoming the present deadlock" [06] Consumer Price Index decreases in the first semester of 1999In the first six months of 1999 the Consumer Price Index decreased by 0,68 per cent, reaching 123, 24 units compared to 124,08 in the preceding six months.The cost of living allowance decrease as from 1st July 1999 and for the next six months to 201,10 per cent on basic salaries compared to 203, 16 per cent in the preceding six months. 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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