Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 01-05-08

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

Tuesday, 8 May 2001

CONTENTS

• [01] Cyprus' EU accession course progressing well
• [02] Candidacies submitted for parliamentary elections

[01] Cyprus' EU accession course progressing well

Speaking on his return from Nykoping, Sweden, where he represented Cyprus at an informal meeting of EU Foreign Affairs Ministers with their counterparts from candidate countries, Mr Kasoulides said the future role of Europe should be "close to its citizens, and based on principles such as respect for human rights and human values."

Mr Kasoulides referred to the presence of his Turkish counterpart, Ismail Cem at the meeting, saying it was not the first time he has sat at the same table with the Turkish minister.

"It is important that Mr. Cem realises that what he and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash maintain is unorthodox and unreasonable and that, if there is to be a Cyprus settlement based on the UN resolutions, the only solution is for them to abandon their intransigent positions," the Minister said.

He also said the atmosphere vis a vis Cyprus' accession was very positive and that even countries which in the past had some misgivings about Cyprus' accession prospects have now changed their tune.

However, he warned against complacency saying "our accession course is not a bed of roses."

[02] Candidacies submitted for parliamentary elections

In all eight parties, three of which did not serve in the previous House of Representatives that dissolved itself on 19 April, are contesting the elections. There are also six independent candidates.

According to the figures, 467.182 people have registered to vote. These are split up as follows by constituency:

Nicosia - 172.755

Limassol - 96.082

Famagusta - 93.111

Larnaca - 45.130

Paphos - 35.448

Kyrenia - 24.616

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

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