Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 02-07-05

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

Friday, 5 July 2002

CONTENTS

• [01] Verheugen: The solution of the Cyprus problem is not a precondition
• [02] World Symposium of Cypriot Academics

[01] Verheugen: The solution of the Cyprus problem is not a precondition

Mr Verheugen reiterated that the solution of the Cyprus problem is not a precondition for accession. "Of course we all hope that there will be a solution, and we all help in that respect" he added. I want to emphasize that whatever happens, the timeframe of the enlargement will not be changed, and that the decision for Cyprus' accession will be made in December in Copenhagen, he concluded.

The representatives of local authorities of EU candidate countries had a discussion on the role of the Committee of the Regions and the responsibilities that derive from the enlargement.

Cyprus was represented by the President of the Union of Cyprus Municipalities, Mayor of Nicosia, Mr. Michalakis Zampelas.

After welcoming the continuance of the dialogue between the Committee of the Regions and the local and regional authorities of the candidate countries, Mr Zampelas referred to the measures that Cypriot local authorities are taking, through their Unions, in order to "ensure that they follow the development process in preparing themselves for accession to the EU".

"However, there is still a clear need to intensify their efforts so as to assume the role they deserve in a 'Europe that is as close to the citizen as possible', he added.

Concluding, Mr Zampelas said that central governments must support local and regional authorities, for the benefit of the ordinary citizen.

[02] World Symposium of Cypriot Academics

The Symposium will be held at the Forum International Hotel from 8 to 10 July, and more that 100 academics working in Universities in Greece, the US, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Germany, France, Ireland, Russia, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait will participate. Academics from the University of Cyprus will also participate.

The main objective of the Symposium is the common reflection with a view to finding ways to serve the interest of Cyprus, in relation to the Cyprus problem and the EU accession course.

The President of the Republic of Cyprus Mr Glafcos Clerides will open the Symposium at 09:00.

During the main part of the Symposium, the Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr Ioannis Kasoulides will give a briefing on the latest developments of the Cyprus problem, while the Head of the Negotiating Team for Cyprus' accession to the EU Mr George Vassiliou will give a briefing on Cyprus' accession course. The Attorney General Mr Alecos Markides will speak on the violation human rights by Turkey and the Director of the Department of Antiquities Mr Sophocles Hadjisavvas on the destruction of cultural heritage in the occupied parts of the island. Additionally, Professor Theophanis Stavrou, member of the Inter-University Research Committee, will speak on the role on Cypriot academics abroad.

During the Symposium, participants will visit the Green Line in Lefkosia and Deryneia where they will be briefed on the occupied city of Ammochostos by the Mayor of Ammochostos Mr Kikis Kazamias.

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

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