Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 98-04-09

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

News Update

Thursday, 09/04/98

CONTENTS

• [01] Italy ready to help in Cyprus' EU accession course
• [02] John Prescott: The objective is the accession of a united Cyprus into the EU
• [03] Cyprus signs Archaeological Heritage Convention

[01] Italy ready to help in Cyprus' EU accession course

Speaking after a meeting with President Glafcos Clerides yesterday, Fassino said that in this respect, his country is ready to support any actions that could help to the solution of the problems Cyprus faces.

Fassino also expressed Italy's active support to talks under the aegis of the UN for a solution to the Cyprus problem as well as to the initiative by US Presidential Emissary, Richard Holbrooke, stressing that "all efforts must be made to promote this initiative towards a solution."

Replying to questions, Mr Fassino said that the participation of Turkish Cypriots in Cyprus-EU accession talks is politically desirable but does not constitute a legal problem for the conclusion of negotiations.

He also pointed out that "there should not be a difference in how we approach the negotiations with Cyprus and with the other countries."

Asked about the sale by Italy of military material to Cyprus, Fassino said this issue "should not be dramatised" and expressed the hope it would be solved to the mutual satisfaction of the two countries.

Moreover, the Italian official had a meeting yesterday with the head of Cyprus' negotiating team for EU accession George Vassiliou and both men agreed that the island's course for EU membership should continue even without Turkish Cypriot participation.

Vassiliou said he had told Fassino that pressure should be exerted on Turkey by various countries to contribute to the solution of the Cyprus problem. The chief negotiator stressed that Europe should be decisive and firm in its relations with Turkey. "Once the impression is given that Europe can change its stance, it's natural for Turkey to keep waiting and act with more intransigence, hoping it can achieve something, in this way," he said.

"Provided Turkey finds itself opposite to a clear and firm stance, it will only then decide what it really wants and I see no other alternative than its European choice," Mr Vassiliou pointed out.

He also stressed to the Italian official that the door would remain open for Turkish Cypriot participation in the Republic's team negotiating EU accession.

[02] John Prescott: The objective is the accession of a united Cyprus into the EU

Speaking at the opening of Cyprus Popular Bank Administrative Centre in Finchley, North London on 7.4.98, Mr Prescott also expressed regret for the Turkish Cypriot side's refusal to be involved in the process.

He said: "The objective we all share is to see the benefits of EU membership available to all Cypriots." The accession of a united island will put an end to the many years of division which have scarred the island and its people, Mr Prescott added.

The British official made it clear, however, that a settlement to the Cyprus problem is not a precondition for entry. He said it is "regrettable" that Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash has rejected President Glafcos Clerides' "serious offer for joint participation in the EU accession process." He added that "the offer remains on the table and we will continue our efforts to bring about Turkish Cypriot involvement in this crucial process".

Noting that everyone has to work to reduce tension in Cyprus and the region, Prescott said the British government wants to see a rapid resumption of the UN process in parallel with EU accession negotiations.

Mr Prescott also referred to the Cyprus economy, saying that it "fits easily into the definitions which the EU requires of members", and he pointed out that EU membership will strengthen the island's prosperity and growth.

[03] Cyprus signs Archaeological Heritage Convention

The Convention was signed by Cyprus' Permanent Representative to the Council of Europe (CoE), Ambassador Thalia Petrides, in the presence of Daniel Tarschys, CoE Secretary General.

This Convention updates the 1969 Convention and takes account of considerable changes affecting archaeological heritage with the development of major urban planning and large-scale engineering projects in most European countries.

It makes archaeological conservation and enhancement a key goal of urban and regional planning policies and promotes co-operation between archaeologists and town and regional planners.

Moreover, it sets guidelines for funding excavations, research and public access to archaeological sites. The Convention has been ratified by 30 European countries.

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

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