Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 99-05-10

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

Monday, 10 May 1999

CONTENTS

• [01] Cyprus Government condemns bombing of Chinese Embassy
• [02] Parliamentary Committees of EU associated countries hold second meeting in Cyprus
• [03] Council of Europe's credibility depends on the enforcement of its decisions
• [04] Cyprus signs Protocol for the abolition of death penalty
• [05] Cyprus' new Ambassador to Austria

[01] Cyprus Government condemns bombing of Chinese Embassy

In a statement issued today by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which was read by the Government Spokesman Mr Costas Serezis during his press briefing, the Government expresses the hope that the admission of responsibility by Nato and its expression of apology will be followed by further actions by the Alliance towards the restoration of international co- operation and understanding among states particularly among the great powers with the aim of consolidating world peace and security."

[02] Parliamentary Committees of EU associated countries hold second meeting in Cyprus

The Parliamentary Committee Chairmen of Estonia, the Czech Republic, Poland, Slovenia and Hungary will participate in the meeting. Also taking part are the Head of the negotiating team for Cyprus' accession to the European Union George Vassiliou and the Head of the European Commission Delegation to Cyprus Ambassador Giovani Chiarini.

Recent developments in the EU, the current state of the accession process and relations between the national parliaments and the European Parliament will be part of the agenda.

During their stay in Cyprus, the participants will be received by President Glafcos Clerides and will have a working lunch with the Foreign Minister Mr Ioannis Kasoulides. They will also meet with members of the Nicosia Municipal Council.

A joint press conference will be held at the Hilton hotel in the afternoon.

[03] Council of Europe's credibility depends on the enforcement of its decisions

Addressing the 104th session of the Council of Europe Committee of Ministers held in Hungary to mark the CoE's 50th anniversary, Mr Kasoulides pointed out that the CoE has always been in the forefront of efforts to achieve and safeguard human rights, democracy and the rule of law and stressed that it has the mechanisms to tackle challenges that will arise in the new millennium. He welcomed Georgia as the CoE's 41st member state, noting that this gives the Council a pan-European character.

Referring to the new European Court of Human Rights he said it contributes towards the further enhancement of the protection of human rights but stressed that its credibility depends on the member states' compliance with its decisions.

Mr Kasoulides expressed regret over the fact that while the CoE is celebrating 50 years since its establishment, hundreds of thousands of Europeans have been forced to leave their homes and property and are victims of ethnic cleansing.

All the principles of the Council of Europe are being violated, including the right of minorities to maintain their cultural identity and, to some extent, their autonomy, he said.

Mr Kasoulides said that we should support the first positive messages that came out of the G8 meeting and expressed the hope that a political, diplomatic settlement will soon be found in Kosovo, with the active participation of the UN Security Council.

[04] Cyprus signs Protocol for the abolition of death penalty

The protocol, which provides for the abolition of the death penalty, was signed last Friday by Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides during the meeting of the Council of Europe's Committee of Foreign Ministers in Budapest.

[05] Cyprus' new Ambassador to Austria

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

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