Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 00-06-14

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

Wednesday, 14 June 2000

CONTENTS

• [01] Cyprus hopes that the pace of accession negotiations will gain further momentum in the future
• [02] Russia hopes that the new round of proximity talks will bring about progress
• [03] Iran wishes to see the Cyprus problem solved in accordance with UN resolutions
• [04] Ireland strongly supports Cyprus/ application for EU membership

[01] Cyprus hopes that the pace of accession negotiations will gain further momentum in the future

In an intervention at the Fifth Meeting at Ministerial Level of the Intergovernmental Conference for the accession of Cyprus to the EU, held yesterday in Luxembourg, Mr. Kassoulides described the result achieved so far as "satisfactory".

"We hope that the pace of our negotiations will continue and gain further momentum in the future with a view to concluding the negotiations without delay", he said.

Mr. Kassoulides said that under the Portuguese Presidency, ending this month, Cyprus closed another five chapters, namely the chapters on Common Foreign and Security Policy, Company Law, Fisheries, Social Policy and Employment and Fiscal Control. He also noted that a new chapter was opened yesterday concerning Agriculture.

"On our part, we shall continue and will further enhance our preparations in order to enter the substantive phase of the accession negotiations during the forthcoming French Presidency of the Council and to successfully conclude them within the anticipated timetable. We are fully aware of the need for the timely harmonisation with the acquis communautaire and its effective implementation and enforcement through the setting up of the appropriate institutions and mechanisms. In order to meet this objective, we are taking all appropriate measures and making the necessary additional efforts including the allocation of sufficient administrative and budgetary resources," the Minister said.

Referring to the Cyprus problem, Mr. Kassoulides called upon all interested parties including the EU, and its Member States to exert their influence on the Turkish side, in view of the forthcoming talks, "so as to encourage the necessary spirit of goodwill and cooperation, which will allow the talks to enter into a substantial phase and make enough progress to open the way for the long awaited political solution."

[02] Russia hopes that the new round of proximity talks will bring about progress

Speaking after a meeting with President Clerides, Mr. Prygin stressed that Russia has always supported the Cyprus cause and will continue to do so in the future.

Moreover he underlined that Russia has always offered consistent and continuous support to efforts for a Cyprus settlement, noting that the Russian position on Cyprus pledges for the respect of international law and order.

Russia's foreign policy, he added, is not based on double standards.

"We hope that the next round of talks will be constructive and some progress and steps forward will at last be achieved", he said, noting that the purpose of negotiations is to produce concrete results.

Mr. Prygin, who described the Cyprus problem as a very complex and delicate issue, added that the negotiation process is the only way to reach a viable and permanent Cyprus settlement.

[03] Iran wishes to see the Cyprus problem solved in accordance with UN resolutions

Speaking after a meeting yesterday with Cyprus/ Minister of Commerce, Industry and Tourism Mr. Nicos Rolandis, Mr. Khatami said that there are many prospects of upgrading bilateral relations, in particular in the fields of Commerce and Finance and said he wished to see bilateral ties expand.

On his part, Mr. Rolandis conveyed a personal message to the Iranian President from Cyprus President Glafcos Clerides and welcomed President Khatami/s idea to establish a dialogue among civilisations, expressing the government/s readiness to actively contribute to this end.

Mr. Rolandis added that bilateral cooperation can be upgraded, in particular in the fields of joint ventures, tourism and energy.

During his stay in Iran, Mr. Rolandis held also meetings with the Ministers of Commerce, Oil and Culture with whom he discussed issues of bilateral cooperation.

[04] Ireland strongly supports Cyprus/ application for EU membership

The Irish Minister noted that "Cyprus is already engaged in detailed accession negotiations with the European Union and is one of the leading countries, at this stage, in respect of its state of preparedness for membership. While the Helsinki European Council underlined that a political settlement of the Cyprus problem would facilitate the accession of Cyprus, it stated clearly that a settlement was not a precondition for accession."

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

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