Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 02-02-20

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

Wednesday, 20 February 2002

CONTENTS

• [01] Ioannis Kasoulides discusses Cyprus talks with German counterpart Joschka Fischer
• [02] Slovakian officials stress their country's steadfast support for a just and viable solution in Cyprus

[01] Ioannis Kasoulides discusses Cyprus talks with German counterpart Joschka Fischer

During the meeting, the two Ministers reviewed the efforts for finding a solution to the Cyprus problem trough direct talks. Mr Fischer suggested that the two sides make every possible effort to this end, while Mr Kasoulides gave assurances that the Greek Cypriot side would continue to be constructive, seeking a solution that would safeguard “one state” which would not only be represented with one voice in the European Union but also function as a proper European state.

The two Ministers expressed satisfaction that Cyprus' EU accession negotiations are leading to a successful conclusion, in a way that the European Council at Copenhagen may be able to decide on the accession of Cyprus in accordance with the Helsinki decisions. The Middle East problem was also discussed during the talks.

Following the meeting with the German Foreign Minister, Mr Kasoulides attended a working lunch given in his honour by the Permanent Deputy Foreign Minister Gunter Pleuger and his aides, during which they had a more detailed discussion of the same issues.

[02] Slovakian officials stress their country's steadfast support for a just and viable solution in Cyprus

Mr Christofias briefed the Slovakian officials on the recent developments of the Cyprus problem stressing the need for Turkey and the Turkish Cypriot leader Mr Denktash to change their intransigent stance, so that a solution to the problem can be found.

The Slovakian President and Deputy Premier reiterated their country's steadfast support towards finding a just and viable solution to Cyprus' political problem noting at the same time that the island's accession to the European Union would help in this direction.

During the meetings, the two sides agreed to strengthen cooperation and coordination between Cyprus and Slovakia in all fields and underlined the need for closer cooperation in the framework of the European Union and the forthcoming European Convention.

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

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