Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 02-05-10

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

Friday, 10 May 2002

CONTENTS

• [01] President Clerides receives the President of the European Parliament
• [02] President Clerides : Cyprus' accession to guarantee security for all its people
• [03] Peter Cox : EU enlargement is irreversible
• [04] New Interior Minister appointed
• [05] India reiterates its support to Cyprus

[01] President Clerides receives the President of the European Parliament

"I want on my own behalf and on behalf of the European Parliament delegation to thank most sincerely the President for his warm hospitality since our arrival.Today we reviewed progress both on accession to the EU and on the current state of the talks, aimed at finding a comprehensive settlement.

We in the European Parliament are deeply conscious that if we get the conditions correct, this year politically can be the year of enlargement for the European Union. We take note of the fact that in the negotiations Cyprus is the most advanced and so there is this year a compelling political deadline.

I would publicly place on the record our deep appreciation of the consistent commitment of the President to seek to move towards a comprehensive settlement.

We know the general terms that surround this but in the end there will be no external vetoes and in the end each case will be judged on its merits and in the end all relevant factors will be taken into account.

I have assured the President of the ongoing commitment of the European Parliament at the earlier stage to achieve successful outcome and the optimum successful outcome of course would be of a Cyprus with a comprehensive settlement and I hope in the time that remains in this year of compelling deadlines, all those parties involved will seize the moment."

On his part President Clerides said : "I would like to publicly welcome the President of the European Parliament, Mr Patrick Cox, and his delegation and thank him for the continuous and undivided support the European Parliament is giving to Cyprus/ accession course to the EU and to efforts to solve the Cyprus problem. We are seeking a solution that would be based on the UN resolutions and the principles of the European Union.

I had the opportunity to brief the President of the European Parliament about Cyprus/ accession course and the efforts we are making to harmonise our legislation with the acquis ommunautaire, to create the administrative infrastructure and to strengthen our administrative capacity for its effective implementation.

We are convinced that the European Parliament will continue to support Cyprus/ accession to the EU and that under the Presidency of Mr Cox it will ratify in good time the Accession Treaty so that Cyprus will take its rightful place in the European family as from the beginning of 2004.

We also had the opportunity to brief Mr Cox and his delegation about the sincere efforts we are making in good faith for a settlement of the Cyprus problem based on UN resolutions and the principles and values on which the United Europe was built. I have assured him that despite difficulties we shall continue our efforts to solve the Cyprus problem so that the whole people of Cyprus may enjoy the political and economic benefits of accession as from 2004.

[02] President Clerides : Cyprus' accession to guarantee security for all its people

President Clerides added that Cyprus aspires to join the European family soon thus formalizing the "deep lying bonds which, for two thousand years, have located the island at the very fount of European culture and civilization", noting that Cyprus will continue to promote the Union's objectives and to contribute in every way possible to ensure that the dream of Europe's founding fathers is kept very much alive.

Referring to the EU enlargement, the President of the Republic said : "The European Union has been enlarging ever since its inception. The Union's next enlargement will break down the artificial division created by the Cold War and complete the process of reconciliation in the European continent. For the first time in its history, Europe will find itself truly reunited on the basis of the shared principles and values of freedom, democracy, respect for human rights and the rule of law.

Europe is also evolving. It is not only widening but it is also deepening. Making the European Union able to effectively function with 25 or more member states, bringing the European citizens closer to the European Institutions and making their functioning transparent and more democratic are signs of great foresight and maturity on behalf of the Union."

[03] Peter Cox : EU enlargement is irreversible

Addressing yesterday a House of Representatives plenary session, Mr Cox pointed out that the EU enlargement was irreversible, adding that Cyprus is part of the "that irreversible political momentum". Moreover, he said that EU enlargement was the basic priority for the European Parliament. A solution to the Cyprus problem would be the optimum condition, but in no case would be a precondition, Mr Cox concluded.

In his speech House of Representatives President Demetris Cristofias reiterated Cyprus' adherence to European values and the vision of a united and strong Europe, which should never stop its effort to boost democratic principles through effective participation of its citizens.

He said that Cyprus joined its forces with the international community and especially the EU, so much so with the European Parliament itself, in doing whatever possible in order to promote peace and reconciliation.

Referring to the recent efforts towards a solution to the Cyprus problem, Mr Christofias said :" Cyprus, being grateful for the consistent position of Europe, as this has been expressed at Helsinki, does its utmost so that a just and viable settlement can be reached to the benefit of all the Cypriot people, if possible before accession. In this diligent effort, it seeks the further support of the European Union, the United States, Russia and all the permanent members of the United Nations Organisation. It also naturally seeks the support of the United Nations Secretary-General, so as to overcome any obstacles, which are encountered on the way, due to the intransigence of the Turkish side and the unacceptable and irrational insistence on a solution of two separate states, accompanied by threats 'of employing extreme measures' in case Cyprus accedes to the European Union prior to a solution of the problem. We remain and we shall remain unwaveringly committed to the peace process for resolving the Cyprus problem on the basis of the UN Resolutions and the High Level Agreements which provide for a bizonal, bicommunal federation which will safeguard the basic freedoms and human rights of the people of Cyprus in their entirety."

[04] New Interior Minister appointed

Mr Panayiotou succeeds Mr Christodoulos Christodoulou, who was appointed Governor of the Centarl Bank of Cyprus.

In a special ceremony at the Interior Ministry, the newly appointed Minister gave assurance that he would materialize the development plans, which his predecessor had announced during the last three years.

[05] India reiterates its support to Cyprus

Receiving the credentials of the new Cyprus' High Commissioner to India, Mr Andreas Skarparis, the Indian President described the forthcoming accession of Cyprus to the EU as a landmark development in the Cyprus history, expressing the hope that Cyprus, as a full member of the EU, will be a friendly voice for matters of vital interest for India.

Moreover, Mr Narayanan noted the necessity for further enhancement of the economic cooperation between the two countries.

On his part, the new High Commissioner expressed the sincere thanks from the people of Cyprus to India, for its firm support to their struggle for freedom and independence.

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

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