Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 01-05-18

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

Friday, 18 May 2001

CONTENTS

• [01] Cyprus International Fair opens in Nicosia
• [02] Three more chapters closed in Cyprus' negotiations with the EU
• [03] New French Ambassador presents his credentials

[01] Cyprus International Fair opens in Nicosia

In his address at the opening of the 26th Cyprus International Fair yesterday, President Clerides noting that the island's economy is characterised by dynamism, flexibility and robustness as evidenced by the very good results achieved despite the unfavourable conditions of the last years such as drought and a steep price rise.

Specifically he said that the rate of economic growth in 2000 reached 5% compared to 3,4% in the EU, unemployment dropped to 3,4% while economic prospects seem promising.

As regards the Cyprus problem, President Clerides said efforts were frustrated by the refusal of the Turkish side to negotiate within the parameters set out by the United Nations and expressed the hope that the international community will exert its influence on the Turkish side.

The President said that while he could not foresee whether there would be a solution to the Cyprus problem in the near future because that also depends on the Turkish side, he was convinced, however, that Cyprus' vision of joining the EU will become a reality.

"Our accession to the big European family will be our greatest achievement since the establishment of the Republic of Cyprus", he said.

Minister of Commerce, Industry and Tourism, Nicos Rolandis, in his speech at the Fair, said the island is developing at a rate which is 78% faster than Europe and 30% faster globally.

He pointed out that Cyprus has been listed by the World Bank as the 16th country in per capita income worldwide and by the United Nations as the 22nd country in the Human Development sector.

"Based on unquestionable economic data Cyprus is the country with the best economy and the most impressive development, not only amongst the thirteen candidates for accession to the European Union but also in comparison with those countries that are already members of the European Union", he said.

[02] Three more chapters closed in Cyprus' negotiations with the EU

Speaking on behalf of the EU Presidency, Sweden's Permanent Representative, Mr Gunnar Lund, said that as a result Cyprus has now closed 21 out of 28 chapters and is in the lead among the six candidate for accession countries.

Cyprus' Negotiator with the EU, Mr George Vasiliou, said that Cyprus has worked hard in order to respond positively to the EU's requirements and fully harmonise with the acquis communautaire.

He also said that with the closure of these three new chapters Cyprus in effect enters the last stretch and has the completion of the accession negotiations within its sights.

[03] New French Ambassador presents his credentials

This was stated yesterday by the new French Ambassador to Cyprus Mr Jacques Depaigne, presenting his credentials to President Clerides.

Mr Depaigne said that during his tenure he would attach great importance to the status of the French language in the Cyprus educational system and would make sure that the French Cultural Centre in Nicosia continues to contribute to the cultural heritage of Cyprus.

As regards the economic sector, he said that progress in Cyprus' negotiations with the European Union should logically result in the development of relations between the two countries.

He expressed support for the efforts of the UN Secretary-General to find a solution to the Cyprus problem, and regretted the interruption of the talks.

President Clerides expressed his conviction that France will continue to support Cyprus' accession to the EU and the efforts to find a solution to the Cyprus problem.

He said his government pursues with firm determination both processes underway and that one of the most effective ways to force Turkey to abandon its intransigent stance in the search to find a solution to the Cyprus problem is for the EU to continue to send, until the end of 2002, when Cyprus is due to accede into the EU, "a strong, unambiguous and firm message to Turkey, that of the unimpeded Cyprus' accession process".

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

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