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Thursday, 21 November 2024
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Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 02-07-04Cyprus Press and Information Office: News Updates in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office Server at <http://www.pio.gov.cy/>Thursday, 4 July 2002CONTENTS[01] Danish Presidency: Cyprus settlement not a precondition for accessionThe Prime Minister of Denmark and President of the Council of the European Union Mr Anders Fogh Rasmussen, presenting the main points of the Programm of the Danish Presidency of the EU for the second half of 2002 to the Plenary of the European Parliament said that Cyprus achieved great progress in the Cyprus issue and in the accession negotiations, referring to it as the country that closed most negotiation chapters (28 out of 31), consequently having the right to become a member of the EU.Mr Rasmussen referred to the European Council of Helsinki, during which it was determined that the solution of the Cyprus problem would be an advantage, but not a precondition for Cyprus' accession to the EU. The Danish Prime Minister called upon both sides to do their utmost to find a solution soon. With regard to Turkey, he said that it "must fulfill the political conditions for membership in order for negotiations to commence" adding that Turkey would receive equal treatment with other candidate countries. Finally, Mr Rasmussen said that the enlargement timeframe must be kept, determining the completion of the accession negotiations process to be December of 2002. [02] Cyprus and Iran sign agreementsCyprus and Iran signed an agreement for cooperation on commercial shipping as well as a memorandum of understanding to combat the illicit trafficking of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.The agreement on commercial shipping was signed by the Minister of Communications and Works Mr Averof Neophytou and the Iranian Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr Kamal Kharrazi. The memorandum was signed by the Minister of Justice and Public Order Mr Nicos Koshis and by Mr Kharrazi. Mr Neophytou said that since Cyprus has one of the largest fleets in the world, signing of bilateral agreements in the shipping sector gives an advantage to ships flying the Cypriot flag. Replying to a press question, Mr Neophytou said that many agreements have been signed so far, pointing out that another agreement on shipping would be signed with Belgium in September, and an air transport agreement would soon be signed with Moldavia. Speaking of Cyprus' good relations with Iran, Mr Koshis said that the signing of the memorandum would reinforce the cooperation between the two countries. For his part, Mr Kharrazi described the memorandum as very important adding that it would contribute to the fight against drugs trafficking. 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 |
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