Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 01-12-06

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

Thursday, 6 December 2001

CONTENTS

• [01] Deputy Foreign Minister of Belgium visits Cyprus
• [02] Thomas Weston: the meeting of 4th December is a major step forward
• [03] Britain welcomes meeting between President Clerides and Mr Denktash

[01] Deputy Foreign Minister of Belgium visits Cyprus

In a statement to the press after the meeting, Mrs Neyts said that she was very pleased to be in Cyprus for a second time, noting that the purpose of her visit was to discuss the progress made by Cyprus in its accession course and to brief the Cyprus Government on the stage of preparations for the Declaration on the future of Europe and the role that Cyprus will be called upon to play in this preparation. During her meeting with Mr Kasoulides they also exchanged views and information on the common struggle against terrorism.

Referring to the meeting between President Clerides and Mr Denktash on 4 December, Mrs Neyts said that the EU welcomes and encourages the decision by President Clerides and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash to proceed with direct talks on the Cyprus problem starting mid-January 2002.

Replying to questions, she pointed out that although it is much too soon for one to be euphoric about the outcome of the new effort for a Cyprus settlement, yet one can say that the meeting was a courageous step and the decision to proceed was a very brave decision even though it does not guarantee success.

Mrs Neyts pointed out that the EU stands firm by the Helsinki conclusions and the conclusions of the latest report by the European Commission on the stage of the negotiations. She also explained that the Commission had indicated that if things continue to proceed as they do by the end of next year, ten countries including Cyprus would be in a position to conclude the negotiations and start negotiations on the accession treaty.

Asked whether the EU will upgrade Turkey's EU candidacy, the Belgian official said that several developments are encouraging and that might lead to a more positive approach towards Turkey's candidacy.

During her stay on the island, Mrs Neyts was received by the President of the Republic Mr Glafcos Clerides. She also had meetings with the President the House of Representatives Mr Demetris Christofias, and with Cyprus's EU Chief Negotiator Mr George Vassiliou.

[02] Thomas Weston: the meeting of 4th December is a major step forward

Speaking before the US Congress on 4 December on the latest developments of the Cyprus problem Mr Weston said that both President Clerides and Mr Denktash should be commented for agreeing to these direct talks.

Referring to Cyprus' EU accession course, Mr Weston said that the US consistently support Cyprus' efforts for EU accession and have repeatedly noted the progress made by Cyprus in the negotiations. Cyprus is evidently economically better prepared than any other candidate country to accede to the EU.

Asked if he believed the EU could grant membership to a divided country, Mr Weston said that the EU can make the necessary adjustments and gave as an example the case of Germany.

[03] Britain welcomes meeting between President Clerides and Mr Denktash

The British Foreign Office issued the following statement yesterday:

"We welcome the outcome of this first meeting between the two leaders and the decision for direct negotiations without preconditions. We will continue to give our full support to the UN Secretary General and all those working for a just, viable and lasting solution."

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

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