Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 00-12-18

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

Monday, 18 December 2000

CONTENTS

• [01] Belgium intends to maintain close contact with Cyprus on all European issues
• [02] The Republic of the Philippines supports a solution of bizonal, bicommunal federation
• [03] Greek Cypriot community has the political will to negotiate a just solution
• [04] Pope reaffirms support for a peaceful settlement of the Cyprus problem
• [05] Cyprus and Latvia sign cooperation agreements

[01] Belgium intends to maintain close contact with Cyprus on all European issues

Presenting her credentials to President Clerides, the new Belgian Ambassador, whose country is taking over the European Union presidency in July 2001, said she hoped to have the opportunity to close with Cyprus other chapters of the accession process.

"As a founding member of the EEC, Belgium has always been deeply committed to the European integration process. We firmly believe in the values, which form the foundation of the Union: democracy, respect for human rights, freedom, peace, economic and social progress. We know Cyprus shares these values", she said.

Mrs Gustin expressed the hope that the continuous efforts, which are made under the auspices of the Secretary General of the United Nations to solve the Cyprus problem, are successful. President Clerides' personal involvement in the talks has been appreciated she said, and added: "We consider it essential to maintain the pace of this process with the aim of reaching as soon as possible an agreement on all substantive issues."

Accepting her credentials President Clerides said that with its prominent role, high profile and active engagement in the affairs of the EU, Belgium is well placed to contribute towards the fulfilment of our rightful aspiration for an early accession to the EU, as well as for the attainment of the long overdue solution of the Cyprus problem.

The government of Cyprus accords great significance to further strengthening and enhancing the close and friendly ties of partnership and cooperation that exist between the two countries on a full range of bilateral, regional and global issues, he said. He also expressed the belief that Cyprus can continue to rely with confidence on Belgium's valuable support forCyprus' steady course for accession to the EU.

[02] The Republic of the Philippines supports a solution of bizonal, bicommunal federation

Presenting his credentials to the President of the Republic Mr Glafcos Clerides, Mr Paynor also expressed the hope that "the parties to the proximity talks would be able to arrive at a common ground that would lead to the final resolution of the problem".

Accepting his letters of credence President Glafcos Clerides expressed gratitude for the Philippines continued support for Cyprus, adding that the existing cooperation between the two countries "provides a solid basis for the further development and strengthening of bilateral relations, especially in areas like the economy, trade and tourism".

[03] Greek Cypriot community has the political will to negotiate a just solution

He stressed however, that the Greek Cypriot community and his government would not accept a settlement which would be contrary to the relevant United Nations resolutions, would violate international law, would disregard the human rights of the people of Cyprus and would legalize the results of the Turkish invasion and the subsequent occupation of the northern part of Cyprus.

President Clerides expressed gratitude for the continuous and principled support of the government of Bolivia for all UN resolutions concerning Cyprus. He also noted that the accreditation of the new ambassador provides the opportunity to initiate a new chapter in the development and strengthening of relations between Cyprus and Bolivia, both at the bilateral and multilateral level in the political, economic and cultural fields.

The new Bolivian Ambassador said that the interchange of experiences between Bolivia and Cyprus at a time when globalisation is prevalent is undoubtedly of great and vital importance for the dawn of better days for the people of the two countries.

[04] Pope reaffirms support for a peaceful settlement of the Cyprus problem

Accepting the credentials, the Pope reaffirmed the support of the Holy See for Cyprus' effort to construct bridges of cooperation and noted that a dialogue is urgently needed not only for Cyprus but also for Europe and the world as a whole.

Referring to the Cyprus problem, the Pope said that although the solution of the Cyprus problem will not be easy and simple, "this must not make us feel distressed, because the roots of the solution are deeply rooted in the culture of the people of Cyprus, who have been enlightened with the values of the Bible since the dawn of Christianity."

[05] Cyprus and Latvia sign cooperation agreements

The Minister of Communications and Works Mr Averof Neophytou and the Transport Minister of Latvia Mr Anatolijs Gorbunovs signed the agreements which are expected to strengthen relations between the two countries in these fields.

The merchant shipping agreement provides that the ships of each country are given equal treatment while in ports of the other regarding services provided, as well as on other issues such as technical help, training of sailors and cooperation in cases of sea accidents.

The international road transport agreement covers issues such as the transport of both people and goods within and between the two countries, the exemption of taxes on vehicles transporting goods and the establishment of a Joint Committee to oversee the enforcement of the agreement.

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

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