Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 01-02-28

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

Wednesday, 28 February 2001

CONTENTS

• [01] The only way to find a solution is through the continuation of the UN- led talks
• [02] Cyprus and Italy sign cultural cooperation programme
• [03] Presentation of credentials

[01] The only way to find a solution is through the continuation of the UN- led talks

In a statement afterwards, Mr Prygin said that his visit takes place in the framework of the meetings his country has with all interested parties namely the two sides in Cyprus, the Greek and Turkish governments, the members of the UN Security Council and the Group of Eight most developed countries of the world. With President Clerides he had a detailed discussion of the current phase of the Cyprus problem, he said.

Mr Prygin said his government appreciates the readiness of the Greek Cypriot side to continue the talks further and expressed the hope that the Turkish Cypriot side would show its willingness to continue the process, which "is the only way towards a mutually acceptable and beneficial solution of the Cyprus problem".

Asked if Cyprus' accession to the European Union would help reach a settlement, the Russian diplomat said that the role of the European Union in the Cyprus problem is important. The EU seems to be becoming more and more involved in international efforts to help the search for a Cyprus settlement, he added.

Regarding Russia's involvement in the Cyprus problem, Mr Prygin said "Russia already participates in a very active way in the search for a lasting, viable and comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem". It actively supports the efforts of the United Nations Secretary General, the continuation of the process of negotiations and has contacts with the interested parties, he added.

[02] Cyprus and Italy sign cultural cooperation programme

The programme covers the period 2001 to 2005 and is expected to further enhance the two countries' relations in the cultural field.

The delegations of the two Foreign Ministries headed by Ambassador Michalis Attalides and Ambassador Umberto Vattani also discussed Cyprus' European Union accession course, cooperation between Cyprus and Italy to effectively combat illegal immigration and smuggling, the situation in the Middle East and issues of Euro-Mediterranean cooperation.

Furthermore, they examined the possibility of revising, bringing up to date and enhancing the existing bilateral agreements between the two countries on issues of scientific cooperation, tourism and air and international road transport.

Mr Attalides had the opportunity to brief Mr Vattani and the Italian delegation on the current phase of the Cyprus problem.

For their part, the Italian delegation expressed satisfaction with the progress made by Cyprus in its harmonisation with the acquis communautaire and its EU accession course in general.

[03] Presentation of credentials

Speaking after the ceremony, the Dominican President said that his country would continue to support Cyprus in all international fora. He also expressed his country's interest in further developing bilateral relations with Cyprus in all fields and especially in the trade and shipping fields.

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

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