Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 02-12-16

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

Monday, 16 December 2002

CONTENTS

• [01] The Republic of Cyprus invited to join the EU
• [02] President Clerides' statement upon arrival from Copenhagen
• [03] European Council conclusions on Cyprus
• [04] UN Spokesman says opportunity for solution remains

[01] The Republic of Cyprus invited to join the EU

In the Presidency Conclusions, the Copenhagen Summit is described as "an unprecedented and historic milestone" in ending the legacy of conflict and division in Europe.

"The Union now looks forward to welcoming these States as members from 1 May 2004", paragraph three of the Presidency Conclusions reads, adding that "as fully fledged members of a Union based on solidarity, these States will play a full role in shaping the further development of the European project".

Following the conclusion of the Copenhagen European Council and the favourable decision for Cyprus' EU accession, the President of the Republic Mr. Glafcos Clerides made the following written statement, read by the Government Spokesman Mr. Michalis Papapetrou:

"It is with great pleasure that I announce to the people of Cyprus that the great national aim of Cyprus' accession to the EU was achieved today through the invitation of the Republic of Cyprus to join the European Union.

We have long anticipated this historic day. Today is a landmark in the process of the unification of the European continent and the stepping stone towards a brighter common future.

Our joy on this historic event would have been completed only if the Cyprus problem was solved. We deeply regret that an agreement on a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus issue has not been achieved despite all the efforts made throughout the years, efforts that reached a dramatic climax these last few weeks. However, our commitment towards reaching this goal the soonest possible remains as strong as ever.

I especially address myself to our Turkish Cypriot compatriots and call upon them not to lose faith concerning the need to live together in a reunited and prosperous island which will be a member of the EU.

I want to assure you that pending a settlement to the Cyprus problem, the Cyprus government will do its utmost so that all Cypriots - Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriot - can enjoy the rights and benefits stemming from EU membership. The accession of our country to the EU provides us with additional confidence to take within the coming weeks bold steps that will help create a climate conducive to a solution of our political problem.

Cyprus stands ready to assume its responsibilities and obligations as a new member of the EU, make its contribution towards the fulfilment of the Union's aims and furthering the European unification process.

I would like to express my sincere appreciation to the Danish Presidency of the EU, the member states and the European Commission for their valuable support and assistance.

Also, I would like to express our profound gratitude to the Greek Prime Minister, Mr Costas Simitis, Foreign Minister, Mr George Papandreou, the Government, the political parties and the people of Greece for their undivided solidarity, their close cooperation and their successful efforts to achieve Cyprus' accession to the EU.

Moreover, I express my warmest thanks to the National Council, the House of Representatives, the Negotiating Team on the Cyprus problem, the Negotiating Team for the Accession of Cyprus to the EU under Mr George Vassiliou, the diplomatic service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the people of Cyprus for their successful efforts to achieve accession to the Union."

[02] President Clerides' statement upon arrival from Copenhagen

"Yesterday was a historic day, for the European Union, as well as for Cyprus. For the European Union because, despite the difficulties and the adverse circumstances and the conflicting interests, its historic enlargement was achieved with the inclusion of ten other states in the European Union along with the existing fifteen. For the European Union a new dynamic is now created, which leads to binding ties between its peoples and its member-states.

For Cyprus, because after an effort which lasted many years, a vision has been achieved; the vision of the accession of Cyprus to the European Union, in the framework of which it will be an equal member with its other member- states. Our joy for this historic development would have been complete if the Cyprus problem had been solved. I am deeply grieved because a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem was not achieved. Despite our efforts during recent years, despite the flexibility that we have repeatedly demonstrated, despite our intension to find a compromising solution to our problem, the achievement of this goal was not possible.

I express the wish that the Turkish-Cypriot community and leadership will understand the great benefits that derive from the accession and the perspectives that are opened from it, and that they will, in the near future, show the necessary flexibility so that the goal of the solution of the Cyprus problem will be realized.

Nevertheless, we stated yesterday, and I repeat today, that our political commitment towards realizing the goal of resolving the Cyprus problem the soonest possible is as powerful today as it was yesterday.

The Government of Cyprus does not forget our Turkish-Cypriot compatriots who are equally citizens of the Republic of Cyprus and are entitled, as much as the situation allows it, to the rights and the advantages that the acquis communautaire offers to the peoples of Europe. The accession of Cyprus in the EU creates a foundation of added confidence so that we may proceed in the course of the coming weeks to bold steps, which will help the Turkish Cypriots on the one hand and on the other will create a better atmosphere, which will also help the solution of the Cyprus problem.

Cyprus has proven that it is ready to undertake its responsibilities and obligations; responsibilities that stem from the EU membership. It is ready to contribute to the realization of the EU targets and help to further the goal of the European unification.

After yesterday's decision it is time for unity and discretion and struggle for a better Cyprus, homeland for all Cypriots, Greek Cypriots, Turkish Cypriots, Maronites, Armenians and Latins.

I would like to express in public my thanks to the Greek Prime Minister, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Greek Government in general for the great help they gave us on the way to accession to the EU. They have been indeed close partners and with skill as well as with persistence they promoted Cyprus/ accession to the EU. "

[03] European Council conclusions on Cyprus

"10. In accordance with the above paragraph 3, as the accession negotiations have been completed with Cyprus, Cyprus will be admitted as a new Member State to the European Union. Nevertheless the European Council confirms its strong preference for accession to the European Union by a united Cyprus. In this context it welcomes the commitment of the Greek Cypriots and the Turkish Cypriots to continue to negotiate with the objective of concluding a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem by 28 February 2003 on the basis of the UNSG's proposals. The European Council believes that those proposals offer a unique opportunity to reach a settlement in the coming weeks and urges the leaders of the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities to seize this opportunity.

11. The Union recalls its willingness to accommodate the terms of a settlement in the Treaty of Accession in line with the principles on which the EU is founded. In case of a settlement, the Council, acting by unanimity on the basis of proposals by the Commission, shall decide upon adaptations of the terms concerning the accession of Cyprus to the EU with regard to the Turkish Cypriot community.

12. The European Council has decided that, in the absence of a settlement, the application of the acquis to the northern part of the island shall be suspended, until the Council decides unanimously otherwise, on the basis of a proposal by the Commission. Meanwhile, the Council invites the Commission, in consultation with the government of Cyprus, to consider ways of promoting economic development of the northern part of Cyprus and bringing it closer to the Union."

Furthermore, in its declaration regarding the European Security and Defence Policy, the Copenhagen European Council notes the following on Cyprus:

"3. The fact that, as things stand at present, Cyprus and Malta will not take part in EU military operations conducted using NATO assets once they have become members of the EU will not, within the limits of the EU Security Regulations, affect the right of their representatives to participate and vote in EU institutions and bodies, including COPS, with regard to decisions which do not concern the implementation of such operations.

Likewise, their right to receive EU classified information, within the limits of the EU Security Regulations, shall not be affected, provided the EU classified information does not contain or refer to any classified NATO information."

[04] UN Spokesman says opportunity for solution remains

The complete text of the UN press release reads as follows:

"Alvaro de Soto, the Secretary-General's Special Adviser on Cyprus, has held intensive consultations in Copenhagen on 12 and 13 December 2002.

Unfortunately, it has not proved possible to achieve a comprehensive settlement. However, the parties' positions have never been closer, and agreement seemed possible up until the last minute.

The Secretary-General's revised 10 December proposal remains on the table. While it is regrettable that the current opportunity has been missed, both sides have expressed their willingness to continue negotiations.

It is very important that the unprecedented progress that has been made should be consolidated, and that all concerned redouble their efforts to achieve a settlement in the coming period. An opportunity remains, particularly until 28 February, to resolve this problem and achieve a comprehensive settlement which would allow a reunited Cyprus to accede to the European Union.

The Secretary-General's Special Adviser is travelling to New York tomorrow to report to the Secretary-General."

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

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