Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 01-10-30

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

Tuesday, 30 October 2001

CONTENTS

• [01] Talks with the Minister of Labour and Social Affairs of the Federal Republic of Germany
• [02] Jacques Poos: The lack of a solution to the Cyprus problem is a serious obstacle for Turkey's accession to the EU

[01] Talks with the Minister of Labour and Social Affairs of the Federal Republic of Germany

During the meeting the two Ministers discussed issues concerning the EU's Enlargement and in particular Cyprus' harmonisation process with the acquiscommunautaire in the field of social policy and employment. They also discussed further issues for enhancing their Ministries' cooperation.

Cypriot Minister of Labour and Social Insurance, Mr Moushiouttas noted that Germany/s reunification reinforced the Cypriots/ expectations that a beneficial solution for both parts on the island would be achieved.

Mr Moushiouttas added that in the context of the accession negotiations, Cyprus closed temporarily 23 out of 29 Chapters of the acquis communautaire. "We are certain that with hard work we will manage to close temporarily the remaining 6 Chapters in the year 2002 so that we will be ready to sign the Accession Treaty by the end of 2002. The implementation process also proceeds in a satisfactory manner", Mr Moushiouttas noted.

On his part, Mr Riester stated that economically Cyprus is in a very good position with regard to its accession course and that it has made a noticeable progress in the employment and social field.

[02] Jacques Poos: The lack of a solution to the Cyprus problem is a serious obstacle for Turkey's accession to the EU

Mr Poos reiterated the belief that the solution to the Cyprus problem would not be a precondition for Cyprus' accession to the EU. "The Turkish Cypriot community can benefit from the island/s accession only through the solution of the Cyprus problem", Mr Poos noted, adding that the island/s accession to the EU cannot be delayed as a result of Mr Denktash's intransigent stance. Moreover, he stated, that the lack of a solution to the Cyprus problem consists of a serious obstacle to Turkey/s accession to the EU.

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

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