Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 99-04-16

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

Friday, 16 April 1999

CONTENTS

• [01] President Clerides receives Finnish envoy for Cyprus
• [02] Labour Minister in Syria
• [03] Khoirokitia on World Heritage List
• [04] Cyprus' EU accession must continue unimpeded

[01] President Clerides receives Finnish envoy for Cyprus

The Finnish envoy told the press afterwards that his visit was part of his government's wish to support the settlement process in Cyprus.

"It is encouraging that there is a feeling of urgency in Cyprus to push the settlement process forward", he said. "Finland is ready to support this effort in every way".

He said he had also discussed the question of Cyprus' European Union entry negotiations saying that Finland will set this as a high priority when it takes over the EU presidency. He added that he has already started talks outlining Finland's plans with other government officials.

"We see no problem but a lot of hard work is needed so that there is no delay to the process", he concluded.

[02] Labour Minister in Syria

Mr Al-Zoubi said Syria firmly supports the unity of Cyprus and opposes the island's division.

The aim of Mr Moushoutas' visit is to discuss questions of cooperation in the field of social insurance, particularly to secure the rights of Cypriots and Syrians who work in either country.

[03] Khoirokitia on World Heritage List

It is the third site in Cyprus to be put on the List, the others being an archaeological site in Kato Paphos and nine Byzantine churches in the Troodos mountains.

"This underlines the wealth of our cultural heritage", he said "but is also a burden we have to carry in order to maintain the tradition".

He added that protecting this heritage is another incentive for us to retain our identity during the difficult period the country is going through.

[04] Cyprus' EU accession must continue unimpeded

Speaking at a Plenary Session of the European Parliament during a discussion of EuroMP Jan-Willen Bertens' report on Cyprus' application, Mr van den Broek expressed the hope that President Clerides' very generous offer to the Turkish Cypriot community in Cyprus to take part in the delegation carrying out the entry negotiations would bear fruit and that better days would come.

He said that the island's economy has all the basic preconditions to adapt and tackle the challenge of enlargement.

Mr Bertens on his part supported that the prolongation of the Cyprus problem, creates dangers and threatens stability and security on the island. Entry into Europe, he added could contribute to efforts towards solving the problem of the occupation of the island.

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

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