Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 98-04-16

Cyprus Press and Information Office: News Updates in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

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

News Update

Thursday, 16/04/98

CONTENTS

• [01] Austrian Vice Chancellor arrives in Cyprus for talks
• [02] US firm in its stance on missile issue
• [03] New Cyprus Ambassador to Greece
• [04] National Council meets to discuss Cyprus developments
• [05] British MP fears US intervention in Cyprus EU course

[01] Austrian Vice Chancellor arrives in Cyprus for talks

During his two day visit, at the invitation of Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides, the Austrian Minister will be received by President Clerides and House President Spyros Kyprianou and will hold official talks with his Cypriot counterpart. Mr Schussel is also scheduled to meet members of the Austrian Contingent of UNFICYP.

In a statement on arrival Mr Schussel said his talks in Cyprus will deal with "the issues, the problems, the possibilities and the perspectives" regarding Cyprus' EU accession course. He also said he was looking forward to talking with all the important politicians and personalities of Cyprus about the relevant issues.

Mr Schussel stated that his country "is looking forward to taking the EU Presidency" which he described as "a big challenge".

Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides welcomed the Austrian Vice Chancellor and expressed appreciation at Austria's "great interest" in Cyprus. He pointed out that the visit is particularly important since Austria will be assuming the Presidency of the EU for the second part of 1998. "I am sure that we are going to have very productive and useful talks tomorrow", he said.

[02] US firm in its stance on missile issue

Mr Rubin reiterated that the US continues to urge the Cyprus Government to cancel the deal. He also pointed out that the missile problem cannot be resolved by brandishing threats.

"We have urged Turkey to address the S-300 issue through diplomatic means and to refrain from threats to take the missiles out militarily", he said.

[03] New Cyprus Ambassador to Greece

The Cypriot Ambassador had a private meeting with the Greek President during which the Cyprus problem and Cyprus' European Union accession course were discussed.

[04] National Council meets to discuss Cyprus developments

After the meeting, which lasted several hours, Government Spokesman Christos Stylianides stated that President Clerides and Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides briefed the Council on current developments, a recent visit to Athens and talks between Greek and Cypriot Government officials.

Party leaders, who make up the Council, expressed their views on developments. Mr Stylianides said that the Council "will meet again at the beginning of May to discuss matters of strategy".

[05] British MP fears US intervention in Cyprus EU course

Sir Sydney called upon the Leader of the House to appeal to Prime Minister Tony Blair and Foreign Secretary Robin Cook to use their "good offices" with the US President and Congress to ensure this does not happen.

In reply, the Leader of the House, Ann Taylor said: "We welcome the opening of the Cyprus-European Union accession negotiations. We are hoping that rapid progress can be made, but that is obviously dependent on certain conditions."

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