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Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 99-12-14Cyprus 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/>Tuesday, 14 December 1999[01]The UN Secretary-General's Special Adviser for Cyprus, Alvaro de Soto had another set of meetings in New York yesterday afternoon with Cyprus President Glafcos Clerides and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash in the framework of proximity talks on the Cyprus problem.Speaking after his one-hour meeting with Mr de Soto, President Clerides said he would be meeting with the UN Secretary-General Mr Annan today before returning to Cyprus on Wednesday. The UN Secretary-General's Spokesman, Fred Eckhard also said that it is envisaged that these talks will adjourn today. Asked when the next round of talks will take place, Mr Eckhard said "when these talks began it was seen as an open ended process", and added that Mr de Soto will be discussing with the parties over the next couple of days "about the next steps". [02]Greece and Cyprus should make full use of the results of the European Council Summit meeting in Helsinki, Cyprus Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides said yesterday.Speaking to reporters in New York, Mr Kasoulides said that the fact that it has been acknowledged at the highest level of the European Union that the island's application to join the EU should not be linked to the finding of a solution to the Cyprus problem and is not a precondition for entry is an important achievement. He added that while he does not expect Turkey to make a complete about turn in 24 hours, nevertheless a new climate has been created and every opportunity should be given to it to breed success. [03]Britain believes that Cyprus' accession to the European Union is a matter for decision by the EU member states and there should be no preconditions, a view endorsed by the EU Heads of Government.This was stated by the British Prime Minister Tony Blair while briefing the House of Commons yesterday on the Helsinki Summit. Mr Blair also referred to the proximity talks taking place in New York and said: "Successful conclusions of these talks would not only bring a welcome end to a long-running dispute, but also facilitate Cyprus' accession to the EU, and we urge all those involved to make every effort to reach agreement". 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 |