Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 02-09-20

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

Friday, 20 September 2002

CONTENTS

• [01] Kasoulides addresses Non-Aligned Movement meeting
• [02] House President meets Portuguese Secretary of State for European Affairs
• [03] EU: negotiations only with the Republic of Cyprus
• [04] Cyprus participates in EU environment network
• [05] Direct talks on Cyprus problem continue

[01] Kasoulides addresses Non-Aligned Movement meeting

Mr. Kasoulides informed his counterparts on the latest developments in the Cyprus problem, noting that despite the good will and determination of President Clerides and the UN Secretary-General's recommendations for the pressing need to reach a settlement, the Turkish side remains intransigent.

"We appeal to the Turkish side to seize the moment, heed the call of the international community and work with us for an agreement based on Security Council resolutions, which call for a bi-zonal, bi-communal Republic of Cyprus, with a single sovereignty, citizenship and international personality", Mr. Kasoulides added, expressing the Cypriot Government's gratitude to the members of NAM for condemning the Turkish attempts to legitimise the faits accomplis of the 1974 invasion.

Referring to Cyprus' EU accession course, the Cypriot FM said that it "offers a unique opportunity for Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots to live in conditions of security and prosperity, promoting peace and reconciliation among the peoples of our region and become an advocate of compassion and understanding in international relations."

Mr. Kasoulides also referred to the huge economic disparities between the developing countries and the rest of the world as well as to the "grave humanitarian crisis" the least developed countries are facing, adding that Cyprus "fully supports all efforts for the promotion of international co- operation for development and the eradication of poverty." Speaking for Africa in particular, the Cypriot Minister noted that "the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD) is a major opportunity for the whole continent to reverse the unfortunate trend of underdevelopment and marginalisation."

Lastly, Mr. Kasoulides made reference to the situation in the Middle East, condemning the illegal occupation of Palestinian lands and calling for the full implementation of the provisions of the Fourth Geneva Convention.

[02] House President meets Portuguese Secretary of State for European Affairs

During the meeting, Mr. Christofias briefed the Portuguese official on the latest developments in the Cyprus problem, noting the threats and intransigence of Turkey, which insists on a solution based on two separate states. The House President referred to the Cyprus' EU accession course, thanked Mr. Neves for his country's support and expressed the hope that Portugal would continue to assist Cyprus in this direction.

For his part, Mr. Neves reassured the House President on Portugal's firm position that the solution of the Cyprus problem must be based on the UN resolutions and the Acquis Communautaire. He also underlined that his country fully supports European Union Enlargement noting that, on the basis of the Helsinki decision, the solution of the Cyprus problem does not constitute a precondition for Cyprus' accession.

"Cyprus", he stressed "must accede to the European Union and the Acquis Communautaire will also apply in this case, because there cannot be different kinds of members in the European Union".

[03] EU: negotiations only with the Republic of Cyprus

Mr. Landaburu was speaking at the Universite Catholique de Louvain, St. Louis, in Brussels on Tuesday, about the Enlargement process and the challenges ahead.

With regard to Cyprus, the EU official expressed concern over the lack of progress in the efforts to reach a settlement to the Cyprus problem, adding that the Belgian model could be a possible solution.

Referring to Turkey, Mr. Landaburu said that it might cause a serious problem, especially if no date is set at the Copenhagen Summit for the start of accession negotiations between the EU and Turkey. Despite recent improvements, such as the abolishment of the death penalty, it is possible that Turkey would not be recommended to begin negotiations, he added.

Finally, Mr. Landaburu expressed the view that the calculation of the cost of enlargement and the ratification of the Nice Treaty by Ireland constitute the most serious challenges to the whole process.

[04] Cyprus participates in EU environment network

The decision for the full participation of Cyprus and the other candidate countries to the IMPEL Network was taken on 7 June, during the network's last plenary session in Spain.

The equal participation of Cyprus to this EU environment network is considered very significant, since in this way it could benefit from all the network's programmes, as can all EU member states.

[05] Direct talks on Cyprus problem continue

The regular meetings between President Clerides and Mr. Denktash are taking place under the auspices of the United Nations, within the framework of direct talks for finding a solution to the Cyprus problem.

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

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