Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 01-02-13

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

Tuesday, 13 February 2001

CONTENTS

• [01] Cyprus and Syria sign illegal immigrants' agreement
• [02] Foreign Minister returns from visits to Jordan and Greece
• [03] Minister of Agriculture participates in UNEP Ministerial Conference

[01] Cyprus and Syria sign illegal immigrants' agreement

Speaking to the press on arrival at Larnaca airport Mr Christodoulou expressed satisfaction with the visit, the purpose of which was to increase the government's capability in handling illegal immigrants' issues.

Mr Christodoulou said that during the meeting with his Syrian counterpart an agreement was signed on the issue of illegal immigrants, which complements an earlier agreement signed between Syria and Cyprus in April 1999. He explained that although the initial agreement had worked well, due to the spirit of cooperation and good relations between Cyprus and Syria, nevertheless both sides believed a complementary agreement should be made.

The new agreement provides for increased alertness from both countries to prevent the arrival of illegal immigrants from Syria, the immediate exchange of information between the governments of Cyprus and Syria, and the immediate response to every case of illegal immigrants arriving in Cyprus, so that they may be deported as soon as possible to their country of origin.

Mr Christodoulou noted that the two sides agreed to appoint "liaison officers" in the two countries to deal with the implementation of the agreement.

[02] Foreign Minister returns from visits to Jordan and Greece

In Jordan Mr Kasoulides had a working meeting with Jordanian Foreign Minister Mr Abdul Ilah Al-Khatib, during which they discussed bilateral relations in the framework of the traditional friendship and cooperation that exists between the two countries. From Jordan the Cypriot Minister flew to Greece, where he met with his Greek counterpart Mr George Papandreou to discuss the Cyprus problem and Cyprus' European Union accession course.

Replying to questions on the outcome of his visit to Greece, Mr Kasoulides said that the purpose of his meeting was to evaluate the recent developments in the Cyprus problem in view of the Turkish Cypriot leader's refusal to participate in the next round of UN proximity talks. He also said that this evaluation would continue during Mr Papandreou's forthcoming visit to Cyprus.

[03] Minister of Agriculture participates in UNEP Ministerial Conference

During his visit, Mr Themistocleous had an opportunity to visit southwestern Kenya and to be briefed on matters relating to his Ministry. In particular, he was briefed on the management of natural resources, the organization of natural parks and the protection of natural flora and fauna.

On the sidelines of the conference, Mr Themistocleous had contacts with ministers from other participant countries with whom he discussed environmental matters of common interest.

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

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