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Friday, 22 November 2024
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Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 96-12-23Cyprus Press and Information Office: News Updates in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office Server at <http://www.pio.gov.cy/>News Update23/12/96CONTENTS[01] Cyprus: a dormant volcano, says CleridesPresident Glafcos Clerides has reiterated that common ground between the positions of the Greek and Turkish Cypriot sides on the main aspects of the Cyprus question must be found before negotiations begin. He was speaking to the press after meeting US ambassador to Cyprus Kenneth Brill on Friday (20.11.96).Asked to comment on the UN Secretary-General's view that common ground might be found during peace talks, President Clerides said that sitting around the negotiating table without reaching common ground would mean that we will reiterate our positions and be led to a new deadlock. Asked to comment on recent calls from various quarters, including Britain and the US, for a halt to the military build-up on the island, the President said: "It is clear that, for the first time, everybody is concerned because, so far they believed Cyprus to be an extinct volcano, whereas now they see it is dormant and can erupt and destabilise the Balkan region and Europe". Asked if Greek Cypriots can stop worrying about their security now, the President said "the more armed we are, the less we should worry". [02] Local businessmen urged to meet new challengesPresident Glafcos Clerides has called on local businessmen to invest and improve their methods and produce in order to meet the challenges ahead.Speaking at an annual exports award ceremony, the President noted the recent economic achievements which helped Cyprus meet the Maastricht criteria, unlike most of the European Union (EU) member-states. "We shall not deviate from our course towards a united Europe. Our efforts to harmonise our institutions and legislation with the acquis communautaire will intensify so that our objectives are achieved by the time we begin accession negotiations," the President said. Noting that the introduction of a common foreign tax system and GATT (General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade), will liberalise Cyprus' external trade, the President stressed the importance of modernisation and improved management methods. "What we need is to draft out a strategy which would give the private sector the leading role," he said and urged businessmen to invest in equipment, upgrade production units, produce new products and offer improved services. From the Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office (PIO) Server at http://www.pio.gov.cy/Cyprus Press and Information Office: News Updates in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |
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