Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 00-06-21

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

Wednesday, 21 June 2000

CONTENTS

• [01] Cyprus willing to participate in the European Defence and Security Institutions
• [02] Foreign diplomats present credentials
• [03] Accreditation of new Cyprus Ambassador to Bielorussia

[01] Cyprus willing to participate in the European Defence and Security Institutions

Mr Hasikos, is visiting Paris at the invitation of his French counterpart within the framework of the international military exhibition EUROSATORY 2000.

Mr Hasikos held a private meeting with Mr Richard during which he conveyed Cyprus' willingness to participate in the European Defence and Security Institutions.

Mr Hasikos also welcomed a decision taken by the EU at last December's Helsinki summit to set up a European military force and urged France after assuming the EU presidency to make efforts so that the candidate countries participate in consultations on defence and security issues.

He said this would allow the candidate states to be informed and be in a position to fulfill their obligations when they join the Union.

On his part, Mr Richard said that during his country's EU presidency, in the second half of 2000, the Defence Ministers of all countries that are on an accession course will be invited to participate in two meetings with their European counterparts.

[02] Foreign diplomats present credentials

Presenting his credentials the new Ambassador of Portugal said: "Portugal has been a sincere and staunch defender of the enlargement of the Union. Enlargement has indeed been one of the priorities of our Presidency, and I am happy to note that the progress of the negotiations with Cyprus has been above average, which represents a considerable achievement and illustrates Cyprus' advanced position in the overall enlargement process.

He also added "the accession of Cyprus to the European Union will further offer our countries new and challenging areas in which to deepen our relationship and to contribute to furthering our common ideals and the values we share".

Presenting his credentials, Denmark's new Ambassador to Cyprus noted "My Government sincerely hopes that the proximity talks which will be resumed in Geneva early next month will evolve into a more concrete stage that will in due course lead to an overall solution of the Cyprus problem.

[03] Accreditation of new Cyprus Ambassador to Bielorussia

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

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