Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 02-05-09

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From: The Cyprus News Agency at <http://www.cyna.org.cy>

CONTENTS

[01] Pat Cox encourages Cyprus to think 'big' in terms of Europe

[01] Pat Cox encourages Cyprus to think 'big' in terms of Europe

2055:CYPPRESS:14

Pat Cox encourages Cyprus to think "big" in terms of Europe

Nicosia, May 9 (CNA) -- Pat Cox, President of the European Parliament, has called on Cyprus, a small island state candidate for European Union accession, not to act "small" and seize the opportunities that are available in the big European family.

Cox, addressing a mixed audience of academics, politicians, diplomats, students and journalists, said there are many parallels between the current debate in Cyprus about the EU and the debate at the Convention for the future of Europe, which began earlier this year.

"Do not approach the EU project as citizens of this state with the view that you are very small, an island, peripheral and not in the centre or you will lose," Cox advised the Cypriots, quoting the example of his native Ireland.

He appeared convinced that Cyprus can act in this manner and said Cypriots pulled through very difficult times after 1974 (when Turkish troops invaded the island).

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