Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 00-05-18

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

Thursday, 18 May 2000

CONTENTS

• [01] Proximity talks on Cyprus to resume on 5 July in Geneva
• [02] Verheugen: Cyprus/ rapid pace towards EU accession has a positive impact on efforts for a Cyprus settlement
• [03] Council of Europe Committee of Ministers to review case of Loizidou on June 7
• [04] Cyprus 25th International Fair opens on 25 May
• [05] Cyprus and Cambodia to establish diplomatic relations

[01] Proximity talks on Cyprus to resume on 5 July in Geneva

The statement says that the talks will be opened by UN Secretary General Kofi Annan. The UN announcement makes no reference to the duration of the talks.

[02] Verheugen: Cyprus/ rapid pace towards EU accession has a positive impact on efforts for a Cyprus settlement

Verheugen made the comments during a briefing of the Socialist Group at the European Parliament on the progress of accession talks with the candidate countries.

Replying to a question by Greek Socialist PASOK Euro-MP Yiorgos Katiforis, the German Commissioner stressed that Cyprus is moving at a faster pace towards accession than the other candidate countries and pointed out that this has a positive impact on efforts for a solution of the island's political problem.

According to Mr. Verheugen, a solution to the Cyprus problem is today more tangible than it ever was in the past. He noted that there is a general consensus among the international community on the framework of the solution and added that what is lacking is the consent of the Turkish Cypriots, which will come even at the last moment.

Mr. Verheugen also reaffirmed his position that improved Greco-Turkish relations have contributed to efforts for a Cyprus settlement and praised the contribution of Greek Prime Minister Costas Simitis and Greek Foreign Minister George Papandreou in this direction.

[03] Council of Europe Committee of Ministers to review case of Loizidou on June 7

Yesterday's debate focused on a letter Turkish Foreign Minister Mr. Ismail Cem sent to the Chairman in Office of the Committee, Irish Foreign Minister Mr. Brian Cowen, claiming that the matter is a political one and the issue of property should be dealt with through a UN process of exchange of property between the Greek and Turkish Cypriots and the payment of compensation.

Cyprus Permanent Representative the Council of Europe Mr. Christoforos Yiangou stressed that Turkey's continuous refusal to comply with the Court's decision and to implement the European Court of Human Rights judgment on the Loizidou case puts at stake the whole system for the protection of Human Rights within the Council of Europe as well as the credibility of the organisation.

[04] Cyprus 25th International Fair opens on 25 May

In a press conference given yesterday, Cyprus State Fairs Authority Chairman Mr. Demetris Ioannou, stressed that an increase is expected this year both in the number of visitors and the number of potential buyers from abroad.

Noting that the Fair is the best opportunity for the country to show the progress it has achieved in all fields of economic activity, Mr. Ioannou referred to the prospects that open up for Cyprus as a bridge between Europe and the Middle East with its accession in the EU.

"This international interest is reflected in the wide participation in the Cyprus International Fair from abroad, which confirms our traditional good business relations with foreign countries and also our prospects for the future. The accession course and the efforts for harmonisation of our business and economic activities with the European Union are emphasised by the regular participation of the major European countries, in the Cyprus International Fair", he said.

Mr. Ioannou said that 16 countries are participating officially with their own pavilions, while another 18 countries will be represented at the Fair through their Cyprus representatives.

As regards local production and business activity, participation in the 25th Cyprus International Fair is again at high levels. Industries and handicrafts, trade companies, and service companies and organisations, will participate in the Fair.

[05] Cyprus and Cambodia to establish diplomatic relations

The protocol, which was signed last Tuesday at the Permanent Mission of Cyprus to the UN was described by Cyprus Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Mr. Sotos Zakheos. "as a new page in the history of our co- operation"

"Cyprus is following and welcomes the reconstruction effort the Cambodian government is making", he added.

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

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