Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 01-06-11

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

Monday, 11 June 2001

CONTENTS

• [01] Kenyan President concludes official visit to Cyprus
• [02] Government optimistic that Irish vote will not affect EU enlargement

[01] Kenyan President concludes official visit to Cyprus

Speaking at a state banquet given in his honour, the Kenyan President reiterated his country's support for a settlement of the Cyprus problem as well as Kenya's wish for Cyprus' accession to the European Union.

He said his government supports UN resolutions which call for the respect of the independence, sovereignty, unity and non-interference in the internal affairs of Cyprus and expressed hope that there would soon be a peaceful and lasting solution.

Earlier the Kenyan President met with the President of the House of Representatives, Demetris Christofias, who said that Mr Arap Moi would discuss the Cyprus problem during his forthcoming meeting with UN Secretary- General Kofi Annan, and would ask him to be "more determined in his initiative towards a settlement of the Cyprus question".

During his stay a protocol was signed between Cyprus and Kenya on bilateral cooperation in various fields, including health, education, commerce, tourism and forestry.

[02] Government optimistic that Irish vote will not affect EU enlargement

Speaking to the Cyprus News Agency, the Government Spokesman Michalis Papapetrou described the Irish vote as "negative and regretful", but expressed the view it would not halt accession negotiations or stop the enlargement process.

He also noted that the reaction of EU Presidency and the European Commission had been "imminent and decisive, pointing towards a direction showing that difficulties would be overcome and the enlargement process accelerated."

The Spokesman said that this was an issue to be discussed during the six- monthly EU Summit to be held in Gothenburg, Sweden, between June 15 - 16.

The Nice Treaty, agreed last December by the EU leaders, prepares the Union to admit up to a dozen new members in the next few years.

EU officials have said yesterday's "no" vote in Ireland would not stop its expansion and that it would start looking for a solution.

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

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