Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 01-01-22

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

Monday, 22 January 2001

CONTENTS

• [01] Cuba has consistently supported Cyprus in all international fora
• [02] Italian Under-Secretary of State: the conditions exist for the solution of the Cyprus problem

[01] Cuba has consistently supported Cyprus in all international fora

Speaking to the press after the meeting, Mr Roque said he had a fruitful and useful conversation with the President, during which they exchanged views on issues of international interest. He also expressed appreciation for Cyprus' vote at the UN General Assembly against the US blockade on Cuba and conveyed his country's wish to further enhance relations with Cyprus.

Later in the day, Mr Roque had a meeting with the President of the House of Representatives Mr Spyros Kyprianou, who briefed him on the on the situation in Cyprus and the prospects for a Cyprus settlement.

Mr Kyprianou said afterwards, that Cuba remains steadily at Cyprus' side, supporting it in all international fora and particularly in the United Nations.

The following day, the Cuban Foreign Minister held official talks with his Cypriot counterpart Mr Ioannis Kasoulides. In a statement after the talks, Mr Roque said that his visit to the island underlines his country's appreciation for its relations with Cyprus, which are based on history and on the political principles of Cuba for the last 40 years.

Mr Roque said that during the talks he had the opportunity to exchange views on various issues of mutual interest.

The Cuban diplomat also said that during the meeting he reiterated Cuba's positions and principles as regards a solution of the Cyprus problem and its solidarity with the Cypriot people.

For his part, Mr Kasoulides said that they discussed a number of world issues giving particular attention to matters pertaining to the UN, the Non- Aligned Movement, the European Union, the G77 and bilateral ties.

Since the establishment of the Republic of Cyprus, Cuba, has shown its unequivocal solidarity and has consistently supported Cyprus in all international fora on issues related to international law, the observation of the rules enshrined in the UN Charter and the implementation of Security Council resolutions, he said.

[02] Italian Under-Secretary of State: the conditions exist for the solution of the Cyprus problem

Speaking to the press after talks with Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides on 19 January, Mr Ranieri also expressed interest in Cyprus's efforts to join the European Union and underlined that Italy believes it is very important strategically for the EU to develop the initiative towards the south and in particular towards the Mediterranean. This constitutes one of the conditions for building Europe's new role, he said. "In this framework, the accession of Cyprus to the EU is very important," he added.

The Italian diplomat also said that the economic, cultural and political relations between Cyprus and Italy are very positive, and that it is possible to strengthen bilateral relations in many ways.

In his statement, Mr Ioannis Kasoulides said he had an interesting exchange of views on a wide range of issues with particular emphasis on the efforts for a Cyprus settlement and for the island's accession to the European Union. He also said that he and Mr Ranieri decided to begin consultations in order to explore ways of cooperation in facing issues of mutual interest such as that of illegal trafficking of human beings and illegal immigration.

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

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