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Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 99-11-26Cyprus 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, 26 November 1999[01]Greek Foreign Minister Mr George Papandreou stressed yesterday that any decision taken at the forthcoming EU Summit in Helsinki will further promote the cause of Cyprus and will hopefully open up the way for a Cyprus settlement as well for the country's unencumbered accession to the European Union.Addressing a joint press conference with his Cypriot counterpart Mr Ioannis Kassoulides, Mr Papandreou said that the discussions held yesterday at the Foreign Ministry between the two countries, "were conducted in absolute agreement aimed at the joint benefit of Greece and Cyprus". Replying to relevant questions, Mr Papandreou clarified that the final decision by Greece in Helsinki will depend on developments, particularly on Turkey's willingness to abide by EU rules. Commenting on Cyprus EU course, Mr Papandreou stressed that "it is the first and eventually the sole development in the Cyprus problem in the last 25 years". He added that Cyprus accession course and the Cyprus problem are two issues inextricably linked and those who see no interrelation between them underestimate the importance of Cyprus accession course. Addressing the Turkish Cypriots journalists who also attended the press conference, Mr. Papandreou said that they would gain greatly if they joined the Republic's accession course. In addition to this, he said. it would also give them access to the European Court, representation in the EU Parliament and would make Turkish an official EU language. The Turkish Cypriots would become a link between the EU and Turkey and the Islamic world he added. [02]President Clerides met today with Greek Foreign Minister Mr George Papandreou who is on an official visit to the island. Speaking to the press after the meeting, Mr Papandreou said that he discussed with the Cyprus President the various scenarios for the Cyprus proximity talks that will begin in New York on December 3 and the EU Helsinki Summit.Mr Papandreou added that the Greek government would decide on Turkey's candidacy when it sees the final documents of the Helsinki summit. 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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