Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 01-02-21

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

Wednesday, 21 February 2001

CONTENTS

• [01] Dutch State Secretary for Foreign Affairs expresses satisfaction with progress made by Cyprus in the adoption of the acquis communautaire
• [02] Cyprus and British governments will continue pressing for Tsiakourmas' release

[01] Dutch State Secretary for Foreign Affairs expresses satisfaction with progress made by Cyprus in the adoption of the acquis communautaire

During the meeting, Mr Vassiliou briefed the Dutch official on the progress made by Cyprus in the accession negotiations and on the efforts to keep the Turkish Cypriot community informed as to what is happening in Europe. He also informed him of the government's efforts in search for a Cyprus settlement.

Mr Benschop expressed satisfaction with the progress made so far in the adoption of the acquis communautaire. Cyprus is among the front-runners in the process of harmonisation with the acquis but still much has to be done, he said. He also expressed the belief that Cyprus is in a position to implement the acquis without any problems.

The negotiating process is getting into a crucial phase this year and at the beginning of next year the real negotiations will begin, he said adding that after the EU Summit in Nice, the Union is now getting ready for enlargement. Special attention has to be given to the Cyprus problem in relation to Cyprus' EU accession course, he said.

Earlier in the day, the Dutch official met with the President of the House of Representatives Mr Spyros Kyprianou, who stressed the need for the international community, and especially the European Union and United States to exert pressure on Turkey to change its position so that a just and viable solution to the Cyprus problem can be reached.

[02] Cyprus and British governments will continue pressing for Tsiakourmas' release

In a written reply to a question tabled in the House of Lords on February 14 by Lord Judd on the action taken by the British Government to secure the well being and welfare of Panicos Tsiakourmas, the Under-Secretary of State said that the British High Commissioner in Nicosia has also made strong and regular representations to Mr Denktash.

"Our concerns have also been raised on several occasions with the Turkish authorities in Nicosia, Ankara and London. We will continue to raise the issue until it is resolved satisfactorily" she added.

Panicos Tsiakourmas was abducted from his car within the British military base of Dhekelia by Turkish occupation troops on 12 December and continues to be illegally detained by the illegal Turkish Cypriot regime in the Turkish-occupied part of Cyprus.

Replying to questions on the efforts made by the Cyprus government to secure Mr Tsiakourmas' release, Government Spokesman Michalis Papapetrou said during his daily press briefing yesterday that the government has asked the assistance of Greece and all European Union countries.

"The Cyprus government is in constant contact with the British pressing for Mr Tsiakourmas' release and the taking of more measures on their part. The answers we receive are that they continue pressuring Mr Denktash and his regime for Mr Tsiakourmas' release with no result so far", he said.

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

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