Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 00-10-18

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

CONTENTS

• [01] European Union greatly interested in the settlement of the Cyprus problem
• [02] New Argentinean Ambassador to Cyprus

[01] European Union greatly interested in the settlement of the Cyprus problem

Mr Landaburu, was speaking at a press conference, after a series of meetings he had in Cyprus with President Clerides, Foreign Minister Mr Ioannis Kasoulides and other government officials.

The EU official said that during his stay on the island, he has confirmed that Cyprus is making serious efforts to harmonise its legislation with the acquis communautaire. The European Union and especially the European Committee undoubtedly acknowledge these efforts, he added.

Mr Landaburu pointed out that Cyprus is ahead of the other candidate for accession countries in closing various chapters of the acquis communautaire, an important matter that should be taken into consideration.

Referring to the European Union's financial assistance to Cyprus Mr Landaburu said that that there are 57 million euros available to be spent by the year 2004 which would help Cyprus in the harmonization process and enable it to participate in EU research programs. The European Union wishes to use part of these funds to sponsor Cyprus bicommunal programs, aimed at Greek and Turkish Cypriot rapprochement.

[02] New Argentinean Ambassador to Cyprus

Presenting his credentials, the new Argentinean Ambassador referred to the friendship between the two countries, which "is demonstrated and enhanced by the deployment of the Argentine contingent within the UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP), which contributes to preserving the independence and territorial integrity of Cyprus".

Mr Dupont said the Republic of Argentina, as the Republic of Cyprus, has chosen the way of negotiations as the only legitimate way to solve international disputes. He pointed out that in the case of Cyprus, his distinguished fellow countrymen, Ambassadors Oscar Camilion and Hugo Gobbi, have put in practice Argentina's commitment to that principle by devoting their efforts "to the attainment of peace and justice" when serving as special envoys of the UN Secretary-General and by Major General Evergisto de Vergara, former UNFICYP's Force Commander.

The Argentinean Ambassador reiterated his Government's strong support for the ongoing proximity talks and expressed the hope that the people of Cyprus would soon achieve a just peace in a united Cyprus.

On his part President Clerides expressed the gratitude of the people of Cyprus "for the continuous and constant support of the government of Argentina to the efforts of the government of Cyprus to reunite the island and remove the scars created by the illegal Turkish occupation of the northern part of the island since the invasion of 1974".

Referring to bilateral relations, President Clerides said "there is room for further improvement in many aspects and to this end we must intensify our efforts to increase bilateral cooperation, cultural heritage and trade between Cyprus and Argentina".

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

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