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Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 03-10-20
From: The Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office Server at <http://www.pio.gov.cy/>
[01]Monday, 20 October 2003 President Papadopoulos satisfied with meetings
in Brussels and Luxembourg
[02] Government Spokesman and T/C politician criticise Turkish Prime
Minister's statements during conference in Majorca
[01] President Papadopoulos satisfied with meetings in Brussels and
Luxembourg
The President of the Republic, Mr Tassos Papadopoulos, returned last
Saturday to Cyprus after visits to Luxembourg and Brussels. Speaking upon
arrival at Larnaca Airport, Mr Papadopoulos expressed satisfaction with his
meetings in Luxembourg and his participation in the European Council in
Brussels, on 16 and 17 October. Replying to questions on the agenda of the
European Council, President Papadopoulos noted that immigration policy was
among the key issues discussed.
"It is our view that since Cyprus is situated at the south-eastern border
of Europe, it must protect the EU from the influx of illegal immigrants",
Mr Papadopoulos said, adding that many member states had agreed that the
cost of monitoring European borders should be shared. He further reminded
that "Cyprus and Italy have signed recently a bilateral agreement for
conducting joint patrols in the coastal area of the Mediterranean, and for
this reason Cyprus has bought from Italy five coast guards". As regards the
discussion on the drafting of the European Constitution, which takes place
in the framework of the Intergovernmental Conference (IGC), the President
noted that the representation of each member state at the European
Parliament, the composition of the European Commission, the competences of
the new Foreign Minister of the Union and the duration of the Presidency
were the main issues raised. "Various views were expressed and objections
were recorded, and the Italian Presidency has undertaken to draft a new
comprehensive proposal which will be submitted at the next Intergovernmental
Conference", Mr Papadopoulos added.
[02] Government Spokesman and T/C politician criticise Turkish Prime
Minister's statements during conference in Majorca
The Government Spokesman, Mr Kypros Chrysostomides and the Turkish Cypriot
politician, Mr Mustafa Akkinci, have criticised Turkey's Prime Minister
Recep Tayyip Erdogan for failing to make any reference to Cyprus during his
speech at the 5th Forum of Mediterranean States, which took place in
Majorca on 16-18 October. Addressing the Forum, Mr Chrysostomides said,
"Despite the Turkish Prime Minister's reference to the principles of
democracy and human rights, which constitute the foundation of the European
public order, and to other problems of the Mediterranean region, Mr Erdogan
has omitted any reference to the Cyprus problem, a particularly serious
Mediterranean problem whose solution is dependent upon Turkey, since it
continues to maintain its troops in Cyprus". The Government Spokesman
called on Mr Erdogan to present Turkey's intentions in Cyprus, given
Cyprus' official accession to the EU on 1 May 2004 and Turkey's aspiration
for starting accession negotiations, and in light of the fact that the
majority of both Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots were in favour of the
accession of a reunited island to the Union. The Turkish Prime Minister did
not reply directly to the aforementioned comments, but made reference to
the Annan plan saying it had both positive and negative points and that it
remained "on the table". Moreover, the Turkish Cypriot politician Mr
Mustafa Akkinci, noted during his intervention before the Forum Mr
Erdogan's omission, and expressed the view that there was still time for a
solution before May 2004. Turning to Mr Erdogan, Mr Akkinci said, "You have
denied us the right to express our views on the Annan plan. Now you give
'citizenship' to thousands of illegal settlers from Turkey. I call on you
before the international community to make Denktash understand that he must
let Turkish Cypriots free to say what they want, because if that doesn't
happen the aspirations of Turkey for EU accession and the expectations of
the Turkish Cypriots will be at risk".
From the Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office (PIO) Server at http://www.pio.gov.cy/
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