Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 02-03-14

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

Thursday, 14 March 2002

CONTENTS

• [01] Gunter Verheugen refers to Cyprus at the Plenary Session of the European Parliament
• [02] UN Secretary General says Cyprus talks are going well

[01] Gunter Verheugen refers to Cyprus at the Plenary Session of the European Parliament

More specifically, the European Commissioner stated the following:

"In recent weeks I have conducted a range of political discussions in Cyprus. I came back from Cyprus feeling encouraged. I have the impression that both the chief negotiators engaged in the ongoing direct talks on the Cyprus problem are determined, serious and committed in their desire to arrive at a lasting political solution.

Once again I should like to encourage the two sides to pursue these talks constructively and to exploit the window of opportunity in order to agree on a workable and lasting peaceful solution before the accession negotiations are concluded at the end of this year.

The Commission is keeping up its intensive contacts with the United Nations in order to ensure that any political solution is compatible with the relevant provisions of European law. It is also crucial in this respect that Cyprus has the capacity to act internationally as a subject of international law, with a single voice."

The Spanish Foreign Minister Mr Josep Pique, who is presiding over the Council of the European Union, also referred to Cyprus, noting that the solution of the Cyprus problem is not a precondition for Cyprus's accession to the European Union even though it would facilitate it. Mr Pique said that the Spanish Presidency of the EU Council would continue to support the efforts of the UN for the solution of the Cyprus problem, in the hope that the prospect of accession will act as a catalyst for speeding up the process of the solution.

[02] UN Secretary General says Cyprus talks are going well

"The two leaders have been talking since January and they themselves set a deadline of June to try and reach a settlement, if not a settlement at least substantial breakthrough, substantial progress for us to say that we are moving forward. The talks are continuing, they are going reasonably well, I cannot not go into details because we've encouraged everybody to be discreet and not to rush to the press and I should not be the first to do that."

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

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