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Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 00-12-07
From: The Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office Server at <http://www.pio.gov.cy/>
Thursday, 7 December 2000
CONTENTS
- [01] President Clerides departs for EU summit in Nice
[01] President Clerides departs for EU summit in Nice
Cyprus President Glafcos Clerides flew to Nice, where the European Council
will be held, to attend the meeting of leaders of the 15 with leaders of
the candidate countries. The President is accompanied by the Government
Spokesman Mr. Michalis Papapetrou.
Asked to comment on the Turkish Cypriot leader Mr Denktash/s statement that
talks on Cyprus have come to an end for the Turkish side, President
Clerides said: "It appears that Mr Denktash has decided that he does not
want to attend the proximity talks. The U.N Secretary -General for his part
insists that the invitation to talks stands. If Mr Denktash does not attend
the talks, then the question will be brought before the UN Security Council
which will be informed on the matter and take decisions."
Invited to comment on Turkey's Accession Partnership, Mr Clerides said:
"For me what is important is that the Cyprus problem has been included in
the text and stays in Turkey's short-term obligations. It is important that
the Partnership envisages an evaluation of Turkey's stand every six months.
This means that Europe will have the obligation to evaluate the stand of
Turkey on the Cyprus problem, which is included in her short-term
obligations, and Tukrey must show that progress has been made".
Asked if there is a chance that Mr Denktash may be forced to return to the
talks procedure, President Clerides said: "I won't say what Mr Denktash
will do but I believe that if there is no progress on Cyprus Mr Denktash's
absence from the talks will be seen as a lack of political will. If Mr
Denktash has Ankara's support, then Turkey will be seen as violating the
Accession Partnership and will be blamed for it".
From the Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office (PIO) Server at http://www.pio.gov.cy/
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