Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 98-03-18

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

News Update

Wednesday, 18/03/98

CONTENTS

• [01] Swedish delegation in Cyprus for talks
• [02] Cyprus to be boosted as a tourist destination

[01] Swedish delegation in Cyprus for talks

The Swedish delegation will have meetings today with Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides and with the head of the delegation for the EU negotiations, George Vassiliou.

They will also meet with representatives of the Turkish Cypriot leadership and possibly Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash.

Speaking on arrival, Mr Lund said that the Cyprus government's decision to deploy the Russian-made S-300 surface-to-air missiles later this year will be among the subjects he would raise here, and noted that there has been communication on this issue with the current EU British presidency.

"It is an armament issue in a volatile situation and not conducive to calm the situation," he explained.

"It is likely that it would increase tension and complicate the situation and would not be helpful in bringing about what we all now should strive for, to find a path for the talks and a resolution of the conflict," he said.

The Swedish State Secretary said issues pertaining to Cyprus' EU accession talks will also be discussed, in view of the opening of negotiations on March 31.

[02] Cyprus to be boosted as a tourist destination

Addressing delegates, Commerce, Industry and Tourism Minister Nicos Rolandis said that tourism has long constituted the island's largest source of foreign exchange revenue, bringing in about L830 m. annually, contributing about 20 per cent to the GNP and providing employment for 25 per cent of the economically active population..

In view of international trends and the greater demands of today's tourists, the Cyprus government has since 1996 been applying a policy aimed at enriching the tourist product, adding new forms of tourism such as cultural, sports and nautical tourism.

He added that it is generally agreed, even among foreign tour operators, that Cyprus offers a good product and with a little effort could attract a greater market share. He pledged to do his utmost in this direction.

Mr Rolandis yesterday also had a meeting with British High Commissioner David Madden with whom he reviewed trade relations between Britain and Cyprus.

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

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