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

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

Tuesday, 12 December 2000

CONTENTS

• [01] Government Spokesman welcomes EU Summit reference to Cyprus
• [02] Security Council members support UN Secretary General's efforts to solve the Cyprus problem

[01] Government Spokesman welcomes EU Summit reference to Cyprus

"With this reference the Cyprus problem is kept in the priorities of the interests of the EU and the leaders of the 15 member-states have clearly defined the framework of how they perceive its solution, which is none other than the UN Security Council resolutions. And this is very important, " he said.

Mr Papapetrou stressed that equally important "is the confirmation in these conclusions of the political importance attached by the '15' to the EU enlargement and the fact that finally the necessary convergence has been achieved on issues creating problems in the function of the EU". As a result, the way is now open for enlargement and concrete prospects are being created, he added.

Replying to questions, the Spokesman made it clear that the policy and aim of the Cyprus Government is for the EU accession to act as a catalyst for the solution of the Cyprus problem. However, he said, in promoting its positions in Europe, the Government's interest is not confined to the Cyprus problem.

"We are also concerned with the developments and the problems Europe is preoccupied with and in our contacts we express our views on these issues as well", he added.

[02] Security Council members support UN Secretary General's efforts to solve the Cyprus problem

According to a United Nation's press release, after the Council met yesterday in closed-door consultations, the body's current President, Ambassador Sergey Lavrov of the Russian Federation, told reporters that there was "full support" for Mr. Annan's effort to achieve a comprehensive settlement to the Cyprus problem.

Ambassador Lavrov added that Council members "welcomed and supported the Secretary General's intention to continue with the process he initiated in November 1999 and urged all concerned to cooperate fully with those efforts."

On 15 November 1999, Mr. Annan announced that President Glafcos Clerides and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash had agreed to start proximity talks to prepare the ground for meaningful negotiations leading to a comprehensive settlement.

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

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