Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 02-10-24

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

Thursday, 24 October 2002

CONTENTS

• [01] There is enough time for a solution, says US State Department official
• [02] UN Inspection Commission for Iraq to set up office in Cyprus
• [03] IMF delegation in Cyprus for economy assessment
• [04] President Clerides congratulates Irish PM on EU referendum

[01] There is enough time for a solution, says US State Department official

Mr. Pascoe, who told reporters he had been looking forward to meeting with President Clerides once more, said that his one-hour long encounter with the Cyprus President focused primarily on the Cyprus problem.

The US official also mentioned terrorism, extending Washington's gratitude for Cyprus' cooperation in the efforts to combat this phenomenon.

[02] UN Inspection Commission for Iraq to set up office in Cyprus

Mr. Kasoulides, who made the announcement after yesterday's meeting of the Council of Ministers, said that the decision had been approved during the meeting for the setting up of the office, which "will be the base from which UN inspectors will leave for Iraq to implement the relevant decisions of the Security Council".

The decision was approved after an agreement between the Cyprus Government and the United Nations Monitoring Verification and Inspection Commission (UNMOVIC), which was set up in accordance with Security Council resolutions, under the Chief UN inspector Mr. Hans Blix. The UN Commission will be responsible for sending weapons inspectors to Iraq, in collaboration with the International Atomic Energy Agency, based in Vienna.

The Cyprus Foreign Minister underlined that all necessary provisions had been taken for the operation of the office in Cyprus, adding that "this is another move by Cyprus which accentuates its significant geographic location".

[03] IMF delegation in Cyprus for economy assessment

Such an assessment is considered very important, bearing in mind the central role of the IMF in the world economy. In addition, the timing of the IMF delegation's visit to Cyprus is of particular importance, in view of the negative economic environment internationally and the concluding accession negotiations between Cyprus and the European Union.

During their stay on the island, the IMF delegates will meet with officials of the Cyprus Ministry of Finance, the Planning Bureau and the Central Bank, as well as with trade union representatives.

According to a press release by the Finance Ministry, the current situation of the Cyprus economy is considered satisfactory; something that was reflected on the recent positive reports by the European Commission. The 2, 3% rate of growth is deemed satisfactory, given the current situation of the world economy. The Cyprus economy is characterized by conditions of almost full employment, low inflation rate and a fiscal deficit that stands below 3% of the GDP.

[04] President Clerides congratulates Irish PM on EU referendum

In a telegram to Mr. Ahern, the President of the Republic of Cyprus states:

"On behalf of the people and the Government of the Republic of Cyprus I wish to extend to your Excellency our sincere congratulations for the positive outcome of the recent Irish referendum regarding the ratification of the Treaty of Nice.

This historic decision constitutes a step towards the further enlargement of the European Union and also towards the establishment of lasting peace, security and prosperity for all of its citizens.

The Republic of Cyprus as a candidate country looks forward to working closely with Ireland on the successful completion of these objectives."

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

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