Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 00-03-21

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

Tuesday, 21 March 2000

CONTENTS

• [01] President Clerides: We must insist on a "bizonal, bicommunal federation with one personality, one sovereignty and one nationality"
• [02] Cyprus' high technology industry and tourism to be promoted abroad
• [03] Robin Cook: a settlement of the Cyprus problem is not a precondition of accession

[01] President Clerides: We must insist on a "bizonal, bicommunal federation with one personality, one sovereignty and one nationality"

Receiving the new group of Greek Foreign Ministry attaches, President Clerides stressed the importance of cooperation between Cyprus and Greece for promoting a just and viable solution to the problem.

The Greek Cypriots, he said, are trying hard to find a solution, which would safeguard their future in the land of their ancestors, a solution that is functional and viable the same time. This is the framework within which we move, he said, always taking into account the parameters set out by the UN Security Council, which provide for a federal solution.

President Clerides stressed that a federation is not the ideal solution but the best possible under the circumstances. He referred to President Makarios ' realisation that there is a difference between what is desirable and what is feasible. Since then the policy of the Cyprus problem was based on this realisation, he said.

The Greek Cypriot side must insist on the framework set out by the Security Council which provides for a "bizonal, bicommunal federation with one personality, one sovereignty, one nationality, safeguarding the basic human rights", he added.

President Clerides pointed out that co-operation between Cyprus and Greece should be a priority, otherwise the Cyprus issue would founder.

He said that during his presidency, cooperation between the two countries has been very harmonious since the national issue was placed above party politics".

[02] Cyprus' high technology industry and tourism to be promoted abroad

Mr Rolandis, who is heading a multi-party delegation, will address a seminar on high technology organised in Moscow by the Cyprus Ministry of Commerce and the Russian Association of Technological Education.

The seminar aims at informing researchers about the New Industrial Policy of Cyprus in relation to the development of high technology. It will also deal with cooperation prospects between the two countries.

During his visit to Russia, Mr Rolandis will attend the opening of the international tourist exhibition and will have meetings with travel agents who deal with Cyprus as their main destination.

[03] Robin Cook: a settlement of the Cyprus problem is not a precondition of accession

In a reply letter to British Euro MP Theresa Villiers dated 13 March, Mr Cook said that other EU member-states share the UK position on Cyprus' accession, as reflected in the conclusions of the Helsinki European Council.

The European Council has underlined that a political settlement will facilitate the accession of Cyprus to the EU. If no settlement has been reached by the completion of accession negotiations, the Council's decision on accession will be made without the above being a precondition.

Mr Cook reiterated Britain's support for the UN-led proximity talks, which started in New York last December to prepare for the negotiation of a comprehensive settlement.

"We are working hard in support of Kofi Annan's efforts towards a settlement, which will need to address the current restrictions on freedom of movement in Cyprus," he said.

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

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