Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 01-10-10

Cyprus Press and Information Office: News Updates in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

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

Wednesday, 10 October 2001

CONTENTS

• [01] Satisfactory measures taken by Cyprus in the combat of money laundering and terrorism
• [02] President Clerides' meeting with the US Ambassador
• [03] Verheugen: achieving a political settlement before EU enlargement is not a precondition
• [04] Cyprus will sooner or later become an EU member state
• [05] Written message to Libya's Leader
• [06] Establishment of diplomatic relations with Paraguay

[01] Satisfactory measures taken by Cyprus in the combat of money laundering and terrorism

The two men discussed, inter alia, the measures Cyprus has taken in the combat of money laundering and terrorism in general. Mr Patten expressed hiscontentment for the measures taken by Cyprus, measures which contradict the recently published negative comments concerning Cyprus' stance in this area.

Thereafter, Mr Kasoulides met with the High Representative and Secretary General of the Council, Javier Solana, with whom he discussed current issues. Mr Solana stated that until December the EU will complete a series of measures for the repression of terrorism and it is expected that the associated countries will abide. Mr Kasoulides reassured Mr Solana that Cyprus has the political will to contribute without any reservation to this common effort.

[02] President Clerides' meeting with the US Ambassador

After the meeting the American Ambassador made the following statement: "I had a very useful meeting with the President with whom we discussed all the issues concerning the cooperation of the countries in combating international terrorism. As I have already said, Cyprus takes all the necessary measures to help us in this joint effort. We have examined these measures as well as President Clerides' view on various issues, such as security in airports, ports, Embassies. We also discussed the financing of international terrorism which constitutes a very important issue, namely to suspend the financial means of terrorist activities . Overall, we discussed all issues concerned and it was indeed a very constructive discussion".

[03] Verheugen: achieving a political settlement before EU enlargement is not a precondition

Speaking at the 20th Session of the EU - Cyprus Joint Parliamentary Committee meeting in Brussels, Mr Verheugen stressed that "EU enlargement is a process of such importance, not least in the present international climate, that it can in no circumstances be held up or delayed".

Referring to the Cyprus problem, Mr Verheugen expressed disappointment with the Turkish Cypriot leader's decision fully backed by Ankara, not to accept the invitation of the UN Secretary General Mr Kofi Annan. "The ground for this invitation had indeed been carefully prepared. A lot of hard work had gone into preparations for the resumption of the UN process by all those seeking to promote a settlement" he said, adding that he himself sought to contribute to the effort through his meeting with Mr Denktash in Zurich in August and in other political contacts.

Mr Verheugen said that there is now "a window of opportunity" for reaching a settlement, which, however, will not remain open forever. He expressed the conviction that if Mr Dentash reengages in this process of the talks "he will find that the United Nations is fully alive to the interests of all parties involved".

"It is vital that all the parties take full advantage of this opportunity once and for all to involve a problem which arose in another era, under other circumstances, he said. "We should look to the future, not to the past", he added.

[04] Cyprus will sooner or later become an EU member state

Mr Weston emphasised the view that Cyprus will become a member of the EU, sooner or later, and explained that this can be achieved in the overall framework the EU provides for the solution of the Cyprus problem. Mr Weston noted that Cyprus' accession to the EU would benefit all parties involved (Cyprus, Greece, Turkey, USA), however, he clarified that a solution to the Cyprus problem would become more difficult following Cyprus' EU accession, due to the complications which would arise in Turkey's EU accession course.

Mr Weston referred to the lack of cooperation on the part of the Turkish side, to Mr Denktash withdrawal from the November 2000 talks (with Ankara's support) and to the Turkish side's recent refusal to attend talks which led to the statement made by the Security Council on 26 September 2001.

Mr Weston praised President Clerides/ positive stance, noting that the efforts to convince the Turkish side to alter its stance will continue.

[05] Written message to Libya's Leader

General Kantafi warmly welcomed Dr Lyssarides and assured him of his country 's firm support for a united island of Cyprus and for a solution to the Cyprus problem based on the UN and International Law principles.

[06] Establishment of diplomatic relations with Paraguay

The agreement was signed by the Permanent Representatives of Cyprus and Paraguay in the United Nations, Mr Alexandros Vikis and Ramires Betner respectively.

Following the signing of the agreement, the two men stated that the two countries already have excellent relations and very promising future prospects.

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

Cyprus Press and Information Office: News Updates in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article