Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 00-12-04

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

Monday, 4 December 2000

CONTENTS

• [01] President Clerides said he would continue to support a solution based on a federal, united, demilitarised Cyprus
• [02] Cyprus and Poland sign cooperation protocol
• [03] Diplomatic relations established between Cyprus and Liberia

[01] President Clerides said he would continue to support a solution based on a federal, united, demilitarised Cyprus

Speaking at an anti occupation event yesterday, President Clerides said that the Greek Cypriot side is participating in all honesty, good will and responsibility in the United Nations peace talks aimed at finding a peaceful solution to the Cyprus problem. This solution should be consistent with the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions, the two high level agreements of 1977 and 1979, the human rights conventions, international law and the acquis communautaire, he said.

President Clerides stressed that a federal, united, demilitarised Cyprus, incorporated into the European Union whose common foreign and security policy it will follow consistently, will serve the vital interests of all those involved and will contribute to peace, political stability, security and cooperation between the states of the wider region.

"Until a solution of the Cyprus problem is found, we shall continue in close cooperation with the Greek Government the defence and foreign policies we consider necessary for the protection and strengthening of Cyprus for its accession to the European Union, and for the prevention of the implementation of the expansionist strategy of Turkey against us," he said.

In order to achieve its goals, Cyprus will continue to strengthen its defence, within the framework of the Unified Defence Doctrine between Cyprus and Greece, he added.

In conclusion, President Clerides thanked, on behalf of the people of Cyprus, the Greek Government, the Greek people as well all other foreign countries for their invaluable support.

[02] Cyprus and Poland sign cooperation protocol

Speaking after the signing of the protocol, the two ministers said that their countries shared common goals, principles and a long-standing friendship, which would be strengthened through their eventual accession to the European Union.

Noting that this is the first time a Polish Foreign Minister pays an official visit to the island, Mr Kasoulides said that with Mr Bartoszewski they had a very interesting meeting during which they exchanged views on the procedure and preparation for EU enlargement.

He also expressed the belief that Cyprus and Poland would be able to complete accession negotiations by the end of 2001 or the beginning of 2002, and be ready to join in the European Union in 2003.

For his part, Mr Bartoszewski said that relations between Poland and Cyprus have always been excellent but would improve further when the two countries join the EU. He also said that Poland supports all UN decisions and EU conclusions on Cyprus.

Earlier, the Polish Foreign Minister was received by the President of the Republic, Mr Galfcos Clerides. He also had meetings with the President of the House of Representatives, Mr Spyros Kyprianou, and the Head of the Negotiating Team for the Accession of Cyprus to the European Union, Mr George Vassiliou.

[03] Diplomatic relations established between Cyprus and Liberia

Speaking at the ceremony, Ambassador Zackheos underlined the need for closer cooperation and mutual support in international fora. He also said he looked forward to the strengthening further of bilateral ties between the governments of the two countries.

Liberia's Ambassador said the establishment of diplomatic relations opens a new chapter in relations between the two countries and expressed the wish for an early settlement of the Cyprus problem.

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

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