Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 98-02-06

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From: The Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office Server at <http://www.pio.gov.cy/>

News Update

Friday, 06/02/98

CONTENTS

• [01] The Cyprus Government will make a sensible proposal for Turkish Cypriot participation in EU talks
• [02] EU's Socialist group Secretary-General visits Cyprus

[01] The Cyprus Government will make a sensible proposal for Turkish Cypriot participation in EU talks

Government Spokesman Manolis Christofides was responding to reports that Britain's special envoy Sir David Hannay had asked for an "attractive" proposal on the part of the Cyprus Republic.

According to Cyprus news agency reports from London, during Sir David's meeting with Greek Under Secretary for Foreign Affairs Yiannos Kranidiotis on 4.2.98, the British diplomat said he was expecting the Cyprus government's proposals on the participation of Turkish Cypriots in EU accession talks immediately after the presidential elections on the island.

Sir David Hannay has also assured Mr Kranidiotis that no conditions are put for the beginning of accession talks and that the British EU presidency will make every effort to include some proposals for the participation of Turkish Cypriots.

During his press briefing on 5.2.98 the Cypriot Government Spokesman said:

"A proposal which is reasonable and sensible is politically "attractive".

The Turkish Cypriot side has so far refused to participate in EU accession talks, due to begin in spring. It says doing so would imply recognition of the Cyprus government as the government of the Turkish Cypriots.

The Greek Cypriot side for its part will not accept the Turkish Cypriots as a separate delegation with veto powers.

"The Cyprus government will see to a reasonable representation, but the negotiator will be the government of Cyprus", Mr Christofieds said.

He added the government would like to make the proposal before March, but warned "there will be no additions that will go over the limits that are acceptable to the government".

Mr Christofides repeated that Turkish Cypriot participation in the negotiating team should not imply recognition of the breakaway regime.

He also stressed that those participating should support Cyprus's European course and said the government would not continue putting up new proposals if the Turkish Cypriots refuse to accept them every time.

[02] EU's Socialist group Secretary-General visits Cyprus

Mr Vallin underlined that social democratic principles are very important to Cyprus, especially because of its political problem. He repeated that the European Union Socialist group will continue to support the island's accession to the Union.

Asked to comment on Turkey's European prospects, Mr Vallin said, "it does not fulfil the conditions to be a candidate" but added that all socialists governments wish that Turkey does not turn its back on Europe.

The Socialist leader said he hoped Ankara would abide by certain conditions, such as respect of international law and the resolution of any differences with its neighbours in the International Court of Justice.

He also said that "once Cyprus, with the support of European Socialists, joins the EU, the resolution of the Cyprus problem will be placed as one of the conditions for closer relations between Turkey and the EU".

From the Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office (PIO) Server at http://www.pio.gov.cy/

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