Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 00-06-23

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

Friday, 23 June 2000

CONTENTS

• [01] Cyprus is among the countries with the most open economies, says European Enterprise Commissioner
• [02] The UN is ready to play a constructive role in assisting the parties to reach a comprehensive Cyprus settlement.

[01] Cyprus is among the countries with the most open economies, says European Enterprise Commissioner

Speaking at the third EuroMediterranean Conference, which got underway in the southern coastal town of Limassol, Liikanen noted that "the opening of the future EuroMed free trade area is planned for 2010" and it will be a major asset for the Mediterranean region.

He added that the European Community "has made a real effort to develop regional programmes, which address the concerns of the national authorities responsible for industrial development and the concerns of company managers" and assured that the EU "will continue to do so".

He pointed out however that "the southern Mediterranean partner countries will also have to meet a number of challenges such as creating a climate favourable to investment and entrepreneurship and increasing cooperation within the region".

The EU Commissioner added that Cyprus, Malta, Israel, Lebanon, Jordan and Tunisia are the countries with the most open economies.

In his welcoming address, the President of the Republic Mr. Glafcos Clerides stressed the importance of the Euro-Med Partnership, established in Barcelona in 1995, pointing out that "we in Cyprus feel a particular obligation and responsibility to work with you to achieve peace and stability in the region.

President Clerides also said that "we aspire to make Cyprus a bridge of peace and cooperation between the EU and the countries of the Mediterranean."

[02] The UN is ready to play a constructive role in assisting the parties to reach a comprehensive Cyprus settlement.

Noting that Greece "has an important role to play" in the Cyprus question, Mr. de Soto pointed out that UN Secretary-General Mr. Kofi Annan "is looking forward to the resumption of the talks between Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots in Geneva on the 5th of July".

The UN is prepared "to play as constructive a role as possible in assisting the parties to reach a comprehensive settlement".

On his part, Mr. Papandreou said the UN official briefed him on his recent trips to Nicosia and Ankara, adding they discussed the "talks which will start on July 5".

He said de Soto assured him that in the forthcoming talks, the UN is willing to proceed further, to substantive discussion and negotiation and that the UN will play an active role in this process.

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

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