Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 98-10-19

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

Monday, 19/10/98

CONTENTS

• [01] Shuttle talks begin
• [02] Trade Minister to attend EU trade meeting
• [03] Cyprus signs Charter for setting up International Criminal Court

[01] Shuttle talks begin

She has fixed a meeting with Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash for Wednesday and will have a subsequent meeting with Mr Clerides on Thursday.

After the 50-minute meeting at the Presidential Palace, Dame Ann called on both sides to keep the contents of discussions private for the duration of the talks.

The shuttle talks are part of the UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan's effort to develop a "process for on-island contacts with both parties with the goal of reducing tensions and promoting progress towards a just and lasting settlement", as he announced in New York last month.

Meanwhile Cyprus Government Spokesman Christos Stylianides said the government was willing to engage in shuttle talks, but was waiting for answers to certain questions relating to the talks.

"The government has stressed from the beginning its readiness and its position of openness to this procedure," he said. "At the same time, the government has asked for clarifications on aspects of tension reduction and on security measures."

[02] Trade Minister to attend EU trade meeting

The aim of the meeting is to examine the existing trade system, the challenges faced by the multilateral system and to prepare the ground for a new round of trade negotiations under the auspices of International Trade Organisation.

Ministers of all applicant countries for accession to the EU will take part in the meeting which will be addressed by Vice-President of the European Commission Sir Leon Brittan and External Relations Commissioner, Hans van den Broek.

[03] Cyprus signs Charter for setting up International Criminal Court

The Charter was signed last week by Cyprus' Ambassador to Italy, Myrna Kleopa.

The Court will be set up once 60 countries ratify its Charter. So far 57 have signed up to the Charter.

The ICC will have jurisdiction to try individuals for genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity.

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