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Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 01-03-12Cyprus Press and Information Office: News Updates in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office Server at <http://www.pio.gov.cy/>Monday, 12 March 2001CONTENTS[01] President's message on the occasion of Commonwealth Day"On the occasion of the Commonwealth Day, I wish once again to renew the deep commitment of the Government and the people of Cyprus to the ideals and principles of the commonwealth family of nations and to reaffirm our pledge to further strengthen the bonds of friendship and cooperation that Commonwealth countries share", President Clerides has stated. In his message on the occasion of Commonwealth Day the President said that this year's theme - A new Generation - is of primary importance and significance because it coincides with the start of the 21st century. It sums up the concerns and challenges that need to be addressed. It raises pivotal issues regarding the development of prospects for young people,individuals and communities in their respective countries, he said. The President said that the older generation has a duty and an obligation towards the youth. Through education, scientific and technological advances which make instant communication the most effective tool, the new generation can achieve a more meaningful and creative life, he said. Moreover, the correct application of scientific and technological advances can assist in building the parameters of a democratic and open society, based on respect for the law, human rights, justice, security and the elimination of religious and other forms of intolerance, he said.Reaffirming the dedication of the government and people of Cyprus to the goals and principles of the Commonwealth, President Clerides expressed appreciation for the assistance and support of the Commonwealth in Cyprus' efforts for a just and viable solution to the Cyprus problem, that "would bring peace and prosperity to all the people of the island and especially nourish the hope for a brighter future in the hearts of our young generation". [02] Greek Foreign Minister visits CyprusGreek Foreign Minister George Papandreou is currently in Cyprus for a three- day official visit, during which he will hold talks on the Cyprus problem and Cyprus' EU accession course. Mr Papandreou, who is accompanied by Greek Olympic Medallists, will also discuss preparations for the 2004 Olympic Games hosted by Greece.Speaking to the press yesterday after talks with his Cypriot counterpart Mr Ioannis Kasoulides, Mr Papandreou said that the European Union appreciates the efforts made by the Government of Cyprus in relation to the UN- sponsored peace talks, assesses them in a positive manner and rewards them. As far as Cyprus' EU accession is concerned, the European Commission and the European Union as a whole, has started preparations for the two available options: to accept Cyprus in its ranks with or without a solution, he said. Greece will firmly support Cyprus in its endeavour to accede to the EU because it believes EU membership will facilitate the peace effort, he said. Mr Papandreou also stressed the need for the Turkish Cypriot community to take part in the accession negotiations and called on them to accept President Clerides' offer to join the Cypriot EU negotiating team. For his part, Mr Kasoulides said that the meeting with Mr Papandreou was particularly important in view of the current phase in the Cyprus problem and the fact that Cyprus is entering the final stage of negotiations, which leads to a deadline of 2002 when membership talks are expected to conclude. He expressed the hope that until then Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash will finally see reason and will return to the negotiating table so that UN proximity talks on Cyprus can resume. Mr Kasoulides said that there are ample indications that Cyprus will become a member of the European Union one way or another. It is preferable for a unified country to join the EU but this does not depend only on the Greek Cypriot side, he added. [03] Minister of Commerce addresses the Association of Greek-Cypriot Travel Agents ConferenceThe Minister of Commerce, Industry and Tourism Mr Nicos Rolandis, addressing the Conference of the Greek-Cypriot Travel Agents Association of the UK on 9 March, referred to the importance of the British market to Cyprus tourism. He said that in the year 2000, 1.36 million tourists from the UK visited the island compared to 1.15 million in 1999, an increase of about 18 percent. "This impressive figure represents more than 50 percent of the total number of our tourist arrivals in 2000, indicating that tourism from the United Kingdom is the backbone of our tourist industry", he added.Moreover, the Government of Cyprus, recognizing the importance of tourism to the overall economy of Cyprus, will continue to support the enrichment of Cyprus' tourist product and the improvement of the high service standards that Cyprus already offers, he said. In view of the acute competition, and as part of the above-mentioned effort, the Council of Ministers approved a ten-year Strategic Plan for Tourism, he said. [04] Cyprus opposed to the destruction of cultural heritage by the Taliban of AfghanistanThe Cyprus Government expressed in a statement on 9 March, its strong opposition towards the inexcusable and unacceptable destruction of Afghanistan's cultural heritage.Cyprus is especially sensitive on issues of destruction of cultural heritage in view of its own similar experiences and would not remain indifferent to this irreversible loss for mankind, the statement said. The Cyprus Government also expressed support to the continuous appeals of the Secretary Generals of the UN and UNESCO to Afghanistan' s Taliban not to destroy the country's cultural heritage. From the Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office (PIO) Server at http://www.pio.gov.cy/Cyprus Press and Information Office: News Updates in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |
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