Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 01-06-18

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

Monday, 18 June 2001

CONTENTS

• [01] President Clerides back from EU summit
• [02] UN resolution on UNFICYP
• [03] Kasoulides meets with Verheugen
• [04] Diplomatic relations
• [05] Agreement on implementation of pre-accession programmes signed
• [06] Greek donation to Institute of Genetics and Neurology

[01] President Clerides back from EU summit

"The Summit was quite important", he said in statements on his arrival, "firstly because it was confirmed by a unanimous decision that the course towards EU enlargement cannot be broken off, and secondly because a timetable was set out, whereby countries which wrap up their harmonisation by 2002, will be members by 2003, and will participate in European Parliament elections in 2004 ".

President Clerides emphasised that the Summit conclusions on Turkey "mean a lot to Cyprus, because the Accession Partnership says substantive and strengthened talks must be held on the Cyprus problem".

Moreover, he added, they urge Turkey to take concrete measures to implement the priorities of the Accession Partnership, noting that in a number of areas such as human rights further progress was needed.

Replying to a question, the President said that Britain has made clear its position in favour of UN Security Council resolutions and that Turkey must not expect any gesture for it to return to the negotiations.

The conclusions adopted by the EU Summit state that the enlargement process is irreversible and reaffirms the road map set out in the Nice Summit as the framework for the successful completion of the enlargement negotiations.

Provided that progress towards meeting the accession criteria continues unabated, the road map should make it possible to complete negotiations by the end of 2002 for those candidate countries that are ready, with the objective being their participation in the European Parliament elections of 2004 as members.

Speaking at a press conference, Greek Prime Minister, Costas Simitis, said that EU enlargement was an irreversible process, adding that in the case of Cyprus, Greece was interested to see negotiations intensified in order for them to conclude soon.

"Greece will do its utmost to ensure that Cyprus is in the first enlargement wave", he said.

[02] UN resolution on UNFICYP

Unanimously adopting resolution 1354 (2001), the Council also urged the Turkish Cypriot side and Turkish forces to lift restrictions imposed on 30 June 2000 on the mission's operations and to restore the military status quo ante at Strovilia.

The resolution welcomes the report of UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, dated May 30, 2001, on the UN operation in Cyprus, and "in particular the call to the parties to assess and address the humanitarian issue of missing persons with due urgency and seriousness".

It "reaffirms all its resolutions on Cyprus, and in particular resolution 1251 (1999) of June 29, 1999 and subsequent resolutions".

The Security Council "requests the Secretary-General to submit a report by December 1, 2001, on the implementation of this resolution", and "decides to remain actively seized of the matter".

Moreover, the plenary session of the UN General Assembly on 14 June approved $42.38 m for the maintenance of UNFICYP from 1 June 2001 to 30 June 2002, and notes that there will also be voluntary contributions by the governments of Greece and Cyprus.

[03] Kasoulides meets with Verheugen

The two men discussed all the issues pertaining to Cyprus' accession to the European Union.

[04] Diplomatic relations

Cyprus' Permanent Representative at the United Nations, Mr Sotos Zakheos, speaking at the signing ceremony, stressed the common challenges and problems both countries are facing as small island states, particularly as regards the environment and security.

Moreover, Cyprus' Ambassador to Mexico last week also submitted his credentials to Equador.

[05] Agreement on implementation of pre-accession programmes signed

This will allow the implementation of programmes, plans and measures for financial, technical and other cooperation between Cyprus and the EU.

[06] Greek donation to Institute of Genetics and Neurology

Cyprus' Minister of Health Mr Frixos Savvides thanked his Greek counterpart, Mr Alekos Papadopoulos, at a meeting in Nicosia, saying that it is further evidence of the efforts being undertaken towards mutual assistance and closer relations between the two Ministries, not just on a government level but also as regards research.

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

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