Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 99-06-22

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

Tuesday, 22 June 1999

CONTENTS

• [01] Cyprus fully committed to the European Union accession process
• [02] Greek Defence Minister expresses satisfaction with G8 decision
• [03] Agreement between Cyprus and the Czech Republic

[01] Cyprus fully committed to the European Union accession process

Speaking in Luxembourg at the third Intergovernmental Conference for Cyprus' Accession to the European Union at Ministerial level, Mr Kasoulides expressed his country's "full satisfaction at the productive work carried out by the German Presidency which further advanced the accession negotiations".

"In particular we highly appreciate the Union's declared intention to render Cyprus the appropriate financial assistance that would supplement our own efforts in our pre accession strategy towards alignment with the acquis" he said.

Mr Kasoulides reasserted the Cyprus government's "wholehearted commitment to the timely and effective preparation for accession," adding that "this commitment is shared by all sides concerned in Cyprus, namely both the public and private sectors".

On his part the European Union External Affairs Commissioner, Mr Hans Van den Broek welcomed the "the continuous efforts of Cyprus contributing to a smooth screening process and presenting timely and constructive negotiating positions."

"We can all be pleased with progress made - it is beyond what many would have expected at the start of negotiations", he said, adding that as far as the screening process is concerned ten chapters have already been completed.

In conclusion Mr Van den Broek reiterated the European Union's sincere hope that "the progress in the accession negotiations will contribute to the search for a political solution to the Cyprus problem".

[02] Greek Defence Minister expresses satisfaction with G8 decision

Speaking after the meeting, Mr Tsohatzopoulos, referred inter alia to the summit of the group of seven most industrialised countries plus Russia (G8) in Cologne and welcomed the reference to Cyprus in the final communique , urging the UN Secretary-General to invite the two leaders to negotiations in the fall of 1999.

"I think it is positive that the decision of the leaders of the G-8 places again on the table the need for a promotion of a just solution to the Cyprus problem based on the principles of international law and UN Security Council Resolutions", he said.

[03] Agreement between Cyprus and the Czech Republic

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

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