|
|
|
Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 03-03-27
From: The Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office Server at <http://www.pio.gov.cy/>
[01]Thursday, 27 March 2003 Verheugen urges Turkey to support "new
rendezvous" for Cyprus settlement
[02] Nicosia FIR not used for military operations in Iraq, says Communications
Minister
[03] Attorney General submits resignation
[01] Verheugen urges Turkey to support "new rendezvous" for Cyprus
settlement
The EU Enlargement Commissioner, Mr Gunter Verheugen, urged Turkey to
support UN efforts for a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem,
expressing hope that the next "rendezvous" for the issue of Cyprus would be
during the period between the end of the war on Iraq and the presentation
of the European Commission's report on Turkey, at the end of 2004. Speaking
at a press briefing yesterday in Brussels, Mr Verheugen said that the
Commission had proposed the revised Accession Partnerships for Turkey,
Bulgaria and Romania. On Turkey, in particular, he pointed out that the
revised document contained specific reference regarding Ankara's obligation
to contribute to the UN Secretary-General's efforts for a Cyprus settlement.
The EU official added that the Commission had also adopted a communication
on the strengthening of the Accession Strategy for Turkey, proposing to
substantially increase financial assistance to that country for the period
2004-2006. Replying to a press question, Mr Verheugen underlined that there
would not be a delay in the EU enlargement process due to the war on
Iraq.
[02] Nicosia FIR not used for military operations in Iraq, says Communications
Minister
The Minister of Communications and Works, Mr Kikis Kazamias, said yesterday
that the Nicosia FIR had not been used for military operations against Iraq,
stressing that the Council of Minister's decision allowed the use of
Cyprus' airports and ports for purely humanitarian purposes and emergency
situations. Asked by journalists to comment on the reactions on the
Government's decision to grant facilities allowing aircrafts to use the
Republic of Cyprus' airspace, Mr Kazamias noted that, based on international
obligations flowing from treaties and accords Cyprus had signed, it could
not refuse the granting of facilities for humanitarian purposes and
emergencies. The Minister reiterated that Cyprus was far away from the war
area and a safe destination for all visitors.
[03] Attorney General submits resignation
The Attorney General of the Republic, Mr Alecos Markides, visited the
President, Mr Tassos Papadopoulos, yesterday, and submitted his resignation,
with effect as of 24 April 2003. President Papadopoulos accepted Mr
Markides' resignation and thanked him for his cooperation and assistance in
the context of the Greek Cypriot side's negotiating team at the UN-led
peace talks, since the first day of Mr Papadopoulos' election to the Cyprus
presidency.
From the Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office (PIO) Server at http://www.pio.gov.cy/
|
