Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 01-12-07

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

Friday, 7 December 2001

CONTENTS

• [01] European Employment and Social Affairs Commissioner in Cyprus for talks
• [02] US Congresswoman welcomes renewed talks on Cyprus
• [03] US and Turkish Foreign Ministers' statements on the meeting of 4th December
• [04] France supports a Cyprus solution that is in line with the UN resolutions

[01] European Employment and Social Affairs Commissioner in Cyprus for talks

In a statement after the meeting, Mrs Diamantopoulou said that the purpose of her visit to Cyprus is the signing of an agreement on employment, known as Joint Assessment Paper.

Mrs Diamantopoulou said that this particular agreement will be signed with all candidate countries for accession to the European Union and is aimed at the implementation of EU strategy on employment. She also explained that the strategy of the European Union on Employment includes some reforms that need to be done in the labour market as well as a series of political decisions on labour issues.

Cyprus will become the eighth European Union candidate country to sign this agreement after which cooperation will begin, on a permanent basis, between the EU and the Ministry of Labour and Social Insurance, she said.

Mrs Diantopoulou also had a meeting yesterday with the Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr Ioannis Kasoulides.

[02] US Congresswoman welcomes renewed talks on Cyprus

According to a press release issued yesterday by her office Mrs Ros- Lehtinen stressed that 'while the continued public resolve to the talks is encouraging, we must remain vigilant in order to pre-empt any attempts at stalling the progress of an eventual settlement'. "Such attempts would include statements as the ones made on November 4 by Turkish Prime Minister Ecevit, who stated Turkey's possible annexation of Northern Cyprus if Cyprus were to become an EU member before settlement is reached, the press release said.

It also stated that "concerned about the possible ramifications of this position by the Turkish Government, Congresswoman Ros-Lehtinen sent a letter on 29 November to US President Bush where she asks for a reiterate of his Administration's support for Cyprus' unconditional accession to the EU and therefore maintain pressure on Turkey, its NATO ally, to work towards a 'peaceful relationship with Cyprus and lasting stability in the region'.

'It is my hope that December 4 marked the beginning of the end to the 27 year old strife that divides Cyprus and that a peaceful settlement be reached ensuring the protection of human rights and paving the way for the economic development of northern Cyprus'."

[03] US and Turkish Foreign Ministers' statements on the meeting of 4th December

The Turkish Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr Ismail Cem said that with the US Secretary of State Mr Colin Powell "we talked about the recent developments in Cyprus, and there of course we all have to support the two leaders in the new path that they are trying to create for themselves, for their peoples and for all of us."

The US Secretary of State Mr Colin Powell said that it was "very pleasing to take note of the fact that Mr Clerides and Mr Denktash have met, will be meeting again this evening. This is the beginning of a long process but every long journey begins with some first steps. I'm pleased too see these first after a break of some four years"

[04] France supports a Cyprus solution that is in line with the UN resolutions

The Spokesman for the French Foreign Ministry in a statement made on 4 December hailed the resumption of UN-led talks on Cyprus, agreed between President Clerides and Rauf Denktash during their face-to-face meeting last Tuesday, in Nicosia, in the presence of the UN Secretary General's Special Adviser Alvaro de Soto.

He said that France supports UN Secretary General's efforts to reach a comprehensive, just and viable settlement in Cyprus and called on both sides to redouble their efforts at a period when important timetables for the region and Cyprus are in sight with a view to reaching a settlement as soon as possible. "This is for the benefit of all the people on the island as well as for the benefit of stability and security in the Eastern Mediterranean," he added.

Moreover he noted that it is important that the dialogue remains within the UN framework.

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

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