|
|
|
Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 99-02-02
From: The Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office Server at <http://www.pio.gov.cy/>
Tuesday, 2 February 1999
CONTENTS
- [01] Turkish Cypriots should see that the EU is the common future for all
Cypriots, says Foreign Minister
[01] Turkish Cypriots should see that the EU is the common future for all
Cypriots, says Foreign Minister
Cyprus' Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides began a new round of efforts
towards paving the way for the island's accession into the European Union,
with a meeting in Brussels with EU Commissioner Hans van den Broek.
Speaking after the meeting Mr van den Broek said President Clerides'
decision not to deploy the Russian missile system in Cyprus was courageous
and important and "clearly removes a stumbling block".
The Commissioner added that the decision will strengthen EU ties with
Cyprus and especially the continuation of the Republic's accession talks,
which opened last year. Referring to the Republic's accession negotiations
he said "so far Cyprus has made good progress" and reassured "we will do
everything on our side to see to it that this pace is maintained."
Regarding EU relations with Turkey, he said efforts for their improvement
must continue. He stressed, however, that "Turkey should refrain from any
kind of action that should slow down the progress of integration of
Cyprus".
On his part, Mr Kasoulides described their discussion as "useful and
productive". "It is important for us, for all Cypriots, to see Cyprus'
accession process proceeding unimpeded, as it is doing." He added that this
sends a very good message to all out compatriots in Cyprus, particularly
the Turkish Cypriots, to see what common future lies ahead for all of us.
"It is time for the Turkish Cypriots to accept the proposal to participate
in the negotiations with their representatives, so that we can all join the
EU together at the next enlargement", he said.
From the Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office (PIO) Server at http://www.pio.gov.cy/
|
