Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 02-10-17

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

Thursday, 17 October 2002

CONTENTS

• [01] Finnish Foreign Minister holds contacts in Nicosia
• [02] Cyprus' Representative addresses UN General Assembly
• [03] French Deputy FM: hopeful for a solution in Cyprus

[01] Finnish Foreign Minister holds contacts in Nicosia

Speaking to the press after the meeting, Mr. Tuomioja said Finland welcomed Cyprus' accession to the EU and that there was no doubt that Cyprus would be included in the next wave of enlargement. "Cyprus is the most developed of all candidate states, and it can respond to the requirements and apply the acquis as its EU membership demands", he added.

With regard to the Cyprus problem, the Finnish FM pledged his country's support in finding a solution and noted that Finland would do whatever possible to facilitate a solution.

Cyprus' Foreign Minister, Mr. Kasoulides, pointed out that no problems existed in relations between Cyprus and Finland and that they would soon be partners within the EU. "The Minister expressed interest to hear about the latest efforts to find a solution to the Cyprus issue, in view of the impending decision at Copenhagen, which will be based on the Helsinki European Council conclusions", Mr. Kasoulides said.

Earlier yesterday, Mr. Tuomioja had a meeting with the President of the House of Representatives, Mr. Dimitris Christofias.

After the meeting, the Finnish official said that this is a crucial period, full of challenges and opportunities for a solution to the Cyprus problem. Mr. Tuomioja also noted: "Cyprus' EU accession is not dependent upon the peace talks and Cyprus will join the EU as a full member with full rights. Nevertheless, everyone hopes that the whole island would join, so that the benefits from EU entry would be extended to the people living in the north of the island too."

On his turn, House President Mr. Christofias thanked Mr. Tuomioja for his country's support to the enlargement timetable as well as the Helsinki decision on Cyprus. He also said that he conveyed the Greek Cypriot side's readiness to reach a settlement, according to UN Resolutions, if possible before the Copenhagen European Council, but added that Turkish intransigence leaves no room for optimism.

The Finnish Foreign Minister, who has visited Cyprus many times as President of the European Affairs Committee of the Finnish House of Representatives, is the son of Sakari Tuomioja, the first foreign intermediary for the solution of the Cyprus problem.

[02] Cyprus' Representative addresses UN General Assembly

This was stated by Cyprus' Representative to the UN General Assembly, Mr. Constantinos Moushoutas, during his address before the Plenary of the Assembly, on the report of the Security Council regarding its increase in members.

Mr. Moushoutas underlined that all member states are obligated to comply without exception to Security Council resolutions, as determined by the provisions of the UN Charter which is binding for all members.

The Cyprus Representative also noted that non-implementation by the Security Council of its own resolutions erodes its effectiveness and prestige, citing President Clerides' statement that "the effectiveness of this most important Organ of the UN would be seriously compromised, if it applies double standards. It must act in every case with determination and consistency".

Mr. Moushoutas, referring to the future composition of the Security Council, said that "it must be truly representative, reflecting in numbers and substance the present realities" and that "reforms, especially increasing the membership of permanent and non-permanent seats, on an equitable geographical distribution will give the Council more legitimacy, will render it more democratic and thus strengthen its effectiveness".

In concluding his speech, he congratulated the newly elected members of the Security Council (Angola, Chile, Germany, Pakistan and Spain) and thanked all members for their efforts for a just and lasting solution to the Cyprus issue, based on Security Council resolutions.

[03] French Deputy FM: hopeful for a solution in Cyprus

The French official was speaking after a meeting, in Athens, with the Greek Deputy Foreign Minister, Mr. Tasos Yiannitsis, with whom she discussed current issues facing the EU such as the pending enlargement and reform measures regarding the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).

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

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