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Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 03-04-24
From: The Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office Server at <http://www.pio.gov.cy/>
[01]Thursday, 24 April 2003 US welcomes genuine measures that promote
understanding between two communities in Cyprus, says Boucher
[02] EU-Cyprus Parliamentary Committee regrets lack of settlement due to
Turkish intransigence
[03] Cyprus' Chief EU Negotiator meets with predecessor
[01] US welcomes genuine measures that promote understanding between two
communities in Cyprus, says Boucher
The US State Department's Spokesman, Mr Richard Boucher, said, during the
regular press briefing yesterday, that Washington welcomed genuine measures
that promoted free movement and understanding between the two communities
on the island, adding that yesterday's crossings by Turkish Cypriots and
Greek Cypriots across the green line were viewed as a "good thing". At the
same time, the US Spokesman reiterated Washington's firm commitment to
reaching a settlement of the Cyprus problem in the context of the UN
Secretary-General's Good Offices mission. Replying to a question on Mr
Denktash's decision to ease restrictions on free movement allowing Turkish
Cypriots to cross into the Government-controlled areas in the south, Mr
Boucher stated the following: "On the crossings, the reports I saw
indicated that people had indeed been going both ways across the green line,
and that's a good thing. We strongly support the principle of freedom of
movement. We welcome genuine measures that have the potential to increase
contact and understanding between the two communities and thus improve the
atmosphere in which to create a just and durable settlement. We note that
numerous crossings of the green line took place today by Greek Cypriots and
Turkish Cypriots. We look forward to learning more about the measures and
procedures for the implementation of these crossings.
The United States remains strongly committed to seeking a just and durable
settlement to the Cyprus problem in the context of the U.N. good offices
mission. We welcome any measures that contribute to that outcome. We
believe the way to a comprehensive settlement, as called for in U.N.
Security Council Resolution 1475, is for the sides to resume talks under
the auspices of the U.N. good offices mission and on the basis of the
Secretary-General's just and comprehensive peace plan."
[02] EU-Cyprus Parliamentary Committee regrets lack of settlement due to
Turkish intransigence
The 23rd session of the EU-Cyprus Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC), held
on 22-23 April in Nicosia, was concluded yesterday. In a Final Statement,
Mrs Mechtild Rothe and Mr Nicos Cleanthous, the co-chairpeople of the
Committee, expressed their regret that Cyprus had not been able to accede
to the European Union re-unified due to the negative stance of the Turkish
Cypriot leader Mr Rauf Denktash. Mrs Rothe, in particular, stressed that as
long as the Cyprus problem remained unresolved, Turkey could not aspire to
join the Union. She further drew attention to the hope still existing of
Cyprus acceding to the EU as a re-unified country by 1 May 2004.
The JPC Co-chairpeople underlined Cyprus' substantial role as a bridge
between the EU and the wider Middle East, thus enhancing the EU's Euro-
Mediterranean policy. They also mentioned that the JPC supported the
establishment of "a Euro-Mediterranean Parliamentary Assembly within the
Barcelona Process in order to promote the goals of the Euro-Mediterranean
Partnership, including security and stability in the region". In addition,
the JPC expressed regret for "the repression of freedom of expression and
of opposition in the occupied part of Cyprus exercised by the Turkish
Cypriot leader against supporters of a positive response to the UN peace
efforts". The Final Statement noted that the JPC had held an exchange of
views on the work of the Convention on the Future of Europe, as well as on
city planning and the proposed reconstruction of the desolate city of
Famagusta. The Statement also cited the message from the President of the
Republic and former Co-Chair of the JPC, Mr. Tassos Papadopoulos, which
referred to the failure of the efforts of the UN Secretary General
pertaining to a comprehensive settlement of the problem, due to the
intransigent attitude of the Turkish Cypriot leader, who had the backing of
the Turkish government. "The President pointed out that despite this
setback, he remained committed to a just and viable settlement of the
problem. Such a settlement would lead to the reunification of Cyprus and to
conditions of prosperity, security and respect of the European principles
and ideals for Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots alike", the statement
added.
[03] Cyprus' Chief EU Negotiator meets with predecessor
Cyprus' Chief EU Negotiator, Mr Takis Hadjidemetriou, met yesterday with
his predecessor, Mr George Vassiliou, with whom he exchanged views on the
progress of implementing the acquis communautaire and the conclusion of the
harmonisation process. Speaking after the meeting, Mr Hadjidemetriou said
that the harmonisation work was difficult and required new institutions,
new mentality and ideas, and a lot of effort from everyone. He added that
if Cyprus continued to lack essential institutions for implementing the
acquis, it would not be able to take advantage of EU funds.
Mr Hadjidemetriou further said that he and Mr Vassiliou had discussed
Cyprus' future role as a fully-fledged EU member state neighbouring with
the Middle East, and how it could maximise its voice in the European
family.
From the Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office (PIO) Server at http://www.pio.gov.cy/
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