Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 01-03-05

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

Monday, 5 March 2001

CONTENTS

• [01] Foreign Ministers of Cyprus and Albania hold talks
• [02] Cyprus will remain an important international shipping center even after its accession to the European Union
• [03] US Ambassador dismisses reports on recognition of pseudostate
• [04] Cyprus signs international convention on terrorism

[01] Foreign Ministers of Cyprus and Albania hold talks

The two Foreign Ministers held talks during which they discussed ways of enhancing bilateral relations and cooperation between Cyprus and Albania and signed a Protocol of Cooperation between the two Ministries.

In a statement to the press after the signing of the protocol, Mr Kasoulides said that a number of agreements would be signed between the two countries. These agreements would create the legal framework and open the way for the private sector of both countries to invest or participate in projects related to the economy and to the fields of reconstruction, telecommunications, tourism and employment, he said.

For his part, the Albanian Foreign Minister expressed satisfaction at the willingness and readiness of the Cyprus Government to promote cooperation between our two countries.

Mr Milo said that with Mr Kasoulides they drew the main lines of cooperation in the framework of the Stability Pact for the Balkans, and of the Adriatic and Ionian initiatives for the fight against illegal trafficking and organized crime. They exchanged views on how to work together for their common goals, the European integration of their countries and their contribution to the stability and security in South East Europe and the Mediterranean area.

Moreover, they discussed how to work together not only for mutual understanding but also for broader understanding of sensitive issues in South East Europe, Kossovo, FYROM, Montenegro and Cyprus.

Referring to the Cyprus problem, Mr Milo said it is important to find a peaceful solution through dialogue and expressed the belief that Cyprus can be prosperous and united.

During his stay to the island, the Albanian Foreign Minister had a meeting with President Glafcos Clerides, House of Representatives President Spyros Kyprianou and Finance Minister Takis Klerides.

[02] Cyprus will remain an important international shipping center even after its accession to the European Union

Addressing the 12th Annual General Meeting of the Cyprus Shipping Council on 2 March, Mr Neofytou expressed appreciation for the Council, which is the strongest supporter in the Ministry's effort to continuously improve the maritime infrastructure of Cyprus. "The very close and fruitful cooperation between the maritime administration and the Cyprus Shipping Council contributes substantially towards this development," he said.

The government's primary objective is to enhance the image of the Cyprus flag and achieve performance with respect to safety commensurable to that of EU member states, he said. He also stressed that the government is committed to complete towards that end, the various courses of action it has undertaken and is gradually applying.

The policy and actions taken so far for the improvement of the quality of the Cypriot merchant fleet has proven successful he said, adding that reported maritime accidents of Cyprus ships as well as detention rates of Cyprus flag vessels by foreign port state control, show significant signs of improvement.

Mr Neofytou pointed out that despite the above progress, emphasis is given to the effective implementation of the international conventions and to this end new services are being introduced with regard to seafarers' qualifications and control. In addition, last year a substantial number of independent inspectors of ships were appointed and particular emphasis was given to proper professional training of the personnel of the Department of Merchant Shipping.

The importance placed on improving the safety standards onboard Cyprus ships, coupled with the continuous support of the resident shipping industry in Cyprus, will eventually secure a harmless transition of Cyprus shipping into the European Union, he said.

"By the year 2003, Cyprus will be in a position to meet the very high demands and expectations of the EU while retaining the present incentives to the shipping industry and thus assure the future of Cyprus as a Shipping Center" he said in conclusion.

[03] US Ambassador dismisses reports on recognition of pseudostate

In a statement to the press after the meeting, the American Ambassador said that despite the fact that Cyprus has entered a pre election period, his country continues to work behind the scenes for achieving progress in the Cyprus problem.

Replying to a question in relation to the US State Department Report on Human Rights, Mr Bandler dismissed reports suggesting the indirect recognition of the pseudostate by the United States. He described such reports as misinterpretation of facts and mere fantasies.

[04] Cyprus signs international convention on terrorism

Cyprus is the 39th country to have signed the convention. So far only two countries have actually ratified the convention, which is widely regarded to be a very important tool in the fight against terrorism.

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

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